We had a lovely visit to the Napa Valley. We hadn’t been up there for around 25 years! When we lived in the Monterey area, we concentrated on Central Coast wines and then when we moved to the Sierra Foothills, we focused on our local wineries. Let me tell you, things have changed in Napa Valley.
Back in the 90s, winetastings were free just about everywhere. Now, I know it is more common for there to be a nominal tasting fee, such as $20 per person. I have no objection to that for a number of reasons. However, Napa Valley winemakers have apparently gotten very proud of their products, and now it costs from $60-$120 PER PERSON to taste premium wines in that region.
Well, let me tell you, I was not on board with that. We visited one place, ZD Winery, that used to make a wonderful Zinfandel that we bought many times. When we got there, we found it cost $75 EACH to taste their wine, and also that they no longer make Zinfandel. We thanked them and walked out.
Our next stop was an old favorite, Hanna Winery. The grounds looked so amazing. It was quiet and peaceful, and the tasting room and outside decks were extremely luxurious. We had been previous Wine Club members, which allows you to taste for free, rather than pay the $60 fee ($120 for two). We ended up rejoining their wine club and had a private tasting of around 6 or 7 wines. It was delightful. We then paid for our case of wine that comes with joining the wine club and walked out $400 lighter in our wallets.
That was the one and only wine tasting experience we had on our trip. lol
So, if you are planning a trip to Napa, be prepared. It is pricey! The days of driving along the Silverado Trail and stopping at 4 or 5 wineries in a day is not happening anymore, at least for us.
We did have a fantastic meal at a New Orleans-style restaurant in Calistoga called (of all things) Evangeline! We had shrimp etoufee with hush puppies and a cold corn soup that was to die for. We left very happy and with full tummies.
It was very fun to have a get-away, and I think Dennis really enjoyed driving around in a beautiful area that he used to know very well. He still can’t walk very well or very far, so being able to drive was very enjoyable for him.
Now we head back home and to pick up poor Archie, who has been in boarding for two and a half days. He will not be a happy camper until he is back home!
26 Responses
Oh what a lovely trip! Sounds so enjoyable – glad you had that little getaway 🥰
I frequented the Finger Lakes wineries in upstate NY for many years while married. I remember being appalled when one winery was charging $5. Of course you got a glass to take home, but still. During that time we took a trip to San Francisco and I refused to go to the wineries as they were charging $25. I havent been to the FL since getting a divorce but it makes me sick to think they might be doing the same. Tastings sell wine! I’m glad you had a nice outing though.
I don’t mind a nominal charge to cover the cost ot the wine, the washing of glassware, etc, but I think anything over $20 is exorbitant. One place wanted $60 per person, which they TAXED and then added on a non-negotiable 20% TIP! No thankyou.
Lovely country! I went on a bike trip through Napa and Sonoma counties in 1991. We biked about 25-30 miles a day, stopping at wineries and scenic areas along the way. I couldn’t do it now but I was younger then and it was a lot of fun.
My husband used to bike up in the area too. THe roads are lovely: shady and smooth and twisty. But narrow! They actually have put signs up saying Don’t Pass Bicyclists any closer than 3 Feet. Yikes.
This sounds like a very nice little getaway. I’m sure Archie will be very glad to see you!
Wow!! That has changed. It has been a long time since we were stationed in CA. I had visited several times, including travels before I got married and moved. Best memory was a concert in the courtyard at Mondavi vineyard with Lena Horne! THAT was a WHILE ago! She was so classy – beautiful changing gowns for each set and some of the best jazz ever.
We used to go to concerts at Paul Masson Winery in Saratoga. Loved doing that.
Wasn’t there a big fire in the Napa Valley a few years ago? We haven’t been there for 20 years. My girlfriend and I like to do tasting at the winerys in Traverse City, MI when we go up there for a weekend. They have some very good wines. I don’t remember the tasting costs.
Yes, there was a very destructive fire in the Napa area a few years ago. Many vineyards, wineries, resorts, and private homes were destroyed. The landscape is scarred in places, but there has been much rebuilding and replanting of vineyards. We did notice so many For Sale signs, though. Nothing like a fire to make you re-evaluate your living situation.
Nicole, as you know, we live in Glen Ellen, Sonoma County. We have 400 wineries in our county, and all of the wines are excellent. It is still possible to have tastings here, some free, some a nominal charge, and you will find friendly, knowledgeable folks willing to talk wine while you taste. Maybe give Sonoma County a try next time you and Dennis get itchy feet…we’ll meet you for a tasting!
That sounds absolutely delightful!
The scenery is super there – had to look it up – almost like a little bit of Italy! But wow! That is expensive!
Oh Nicole, what a lovely trip. I went to college in that area back a few decades ago (!) and it is indeed lovely country. If we ever get a chance to go back, I want to tour a winery called “Quixote” that has amazing architecture. My husband would love to photograph that place.
So glad you and Dennis had an enjoyable getaway! Archie will be so glad you are home again.
There are so many old buildings and structures that are fascinating to see up there. One winery, known for its sculpture gardens, Clos Pegase, just reopened after rebuilding from the fire of a few years back.
Love Napa Valley area and have visited many times, daughter lives near there. In the “old” days we would visit several vineyards and do tastings with no charge, however we always made a purchase. With the high charges for tastings, I would imagine they are not selling as many bottles for customers to take home after the tasting.
Back in the 90s, when we used to go, we enjoyed spending some time at a few wineries and tasting what they had on offer. Sometimes we even got invited back into the oak cask area to try some right out of the barrel. We always bought as well. And often joined their wine clubs.
That was our experience too in the late ’80’s and early ’90’s with private tours. I remember one trip when we brought home 10 cases in the back of our SUV. Nice memories.
My husband and I grew up in Napa. It has changed SO much since our days:) We just had a fun few days in Calistoga-hiking and having a few yummy meals. We too decided to not pay the outrageous fees for wine tasting. It boggled our minds why they were charging so much since the industry is suffering financially. So many acres of vines have been pulled out. Seems they would want to draw in people for possible bottle purchases, but what do I know;) I’m glad you guys had a nice visit!
I totally agree with you! I told Dennis, if you are interested in a winery, why not go in and just purchase a bottle of wine to try? I’d rather pay $60 for an entire bottle of wine than $80 for one person to taste! a variety of wines we may not be interested in .
We had a fabulous time at the one place we did taste (Hanna), and a couple of fantastic meals out for dinner. It was a fun trip, we just had to adjust our plans and expectations.
Glad you had a fun time and thanks for the tips about the wineries! So sad because I’d like to get to know different ones but not at those prices! I’m sure Archie will be super happy to be home too, pets are just like people!
I have to say, we were selective and thoroughly enjoyed the one tasting experience we had, even though it meant rejoining the wine club. Also, there were NO OTHER PEOPLE at any of the wineries we stopped by. Apparently we aren’t the only ones not interested in paying over $100 to taste wine!
I’m so glad you had the chance to get away for a few days. I haven’t been to Napa since early 2000s. Even then they were charging $ for tastings but nothing like now. Just eating out feels wonderful to me. Anything to try to escape the madness for a bit. Stay cool and safe and pray the idiots don’t start any fires with fireworks. ugh. I just want to slap some sense into people…….
We hope to have a BBQ with Ryan and family. I could not care less about fireworks, and Archie freaks out, so I can live nicely without the experience. I am always so surprised they are even sold in our county.
We had one outstanding dining experience on the trip; otherwise, eating out is overrated IMO. I can cook just as well at home for the most part. Happy 4th of July!
So glad you and Dennis enjoyed your get-away but those prices are (IMHO) outrageous! Isn’t it fun to come home with a grateful and happy dog?!
Hugs!
When the vet tech brought Archie out to me from boarding, he didn’t even look at me! He headed straight for the exit. All he wanted was to get out of there. He warmed up to me eventually, but I think he believes I am a traitor not to be trusted.