Five Napa Valley Tastings Under $50

As a wine photographer and writer, I frequently travel to wine regions around the world, but I’m fortunate to call Napa my home.

And here’s the thing people who live here know: Napa has something for everyone.

Yes, you’ll find high-end luxurious tastings for hundreds of dollars. But you’ll also find affordable experiences that give you a real bang for your buck. You just have to get off the beaten trail, look past the big well-known wineries and do some exploring.

I regularly update my blog with cheap spots for wine tasting in Napa – as I scout new locations, I add them to the list. I’m always on the lookout for a good deal!

If you’re planning your own trip to Napa and looking to keep things wallet-friendly, below are my top five favorite affordable wine tastings in Napa. Five Affordable Wine Tastings in Napa Under $50:

RD Winery
You’ve no doubt driven past RD Winery on your way into Napa. This undiscovered gem was the first Vietnamese-owned winery founded in Napa Valley and is currently led by Mailynh Phan, who was just featured on Wine Enthusiast’s “Future 40” list.

Here you can enjoy a $25 tasting of their “Fifth Moon” wine label, which features a flight of five mouth-watering uncommon varietals. These are entry-level, “everyday” wines that are absolutely delicious! Alternatively, for $40 you can dive into their Hundred Knot label, their higher-end collection of wines crafted from Napa and Sonoma fruit.

If you’re feeling hungry, check out their food and wine pairing, which is offered for the reasonable price of $60 and features an array of familiar and unexpected Asian flavors, alongside a flight of Fifth Moon wines.

Rombauer Vineyards
When I visited Rombauer, I was absolutely blown away by the wine, stunning vineyard views, and friendly hospitality. Many people are familiar with Rombauer for their Chardonnays, but I fell in love with their Zinfandel. Rombauer tasting experiences start at $20 and are offered both indoors and outdoors. These seated tastings guide you through a flight of their best-known and beloved wines as well as a few hidden gems and limited-production wines.

Saintsbury
I found Saintsbury by happenstance one day when a friend came to visit me last minute. Located in Carneros, their tasting garden is the perfect place to sip wine and enjoy the views. Their classic tasting starts at $40 and includes five Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from select vineyards in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and Sonoma Coast.

Clif Family Winery
Clif Family Winery (yup, the one who made Clif Bars), is making big strides to make wine more fun and approachable in Napa Valley. Their Seasonal Wine Tasting starts at $50 and includes a flight of their small-production wines paired with culinary bites. All the food pairings highlight their organic farm and Clif Family artisan foods, making it a good way to experience the farm-to-table initiative here in Napa at an affordable price. They also have a food truck on-premise, with an INCREDIBLE menu.

Napa Cellars
Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Napa Cellars is a charming winery with great outdoor seating. It is also one of the few picnic-friendly wineries in Napa, making it a great spot to bring your own food – then sit back, take in the vineyard’s picturesque setting and enjoy! Their basic tasting is just $30 and the wines are all reasonably priced if you want to take home a few bottles.

ATTAINABLE LUXURIES

Whether you’re coming for a day trip, a weekend, or a week, Napa has more affordable options than you might think. Bay Area locals should consider joining wine clubs for their favorite destinations – most offer free tastings, discounted shipping, and invites to exclusive events.

While headlines about high prices might grab attention, there’s more to Napa than big-ticket luxury events. There’s truly something for everyone.