How to Visit Napa Valley on a Budget

Napa Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California, and with good reason! They have the world’s best restaurants, hotels and wineries. Therefore, a visit can be quite expensive.

So if you’re looking for ways to enjoy Napa Valley on a budget, look no further!

In this post, we give you a list of the best budget hotels, dining options, transportation, and wine experiences in Napa Valley. Let’s begin!

When to go to Napa Valley

The best time to travel to Napa Valley is during the shoulder season, which runs from April to May or September to October. The weather is still nice during these months and there are fewer tourists. During the fall season you still get the beautiful fall colors. And in spring you will witness the sea of ​​mustard flowers and vineyards in bloom.

To be honest, I’ve visited Napa many times in the winter. Hotel rates were among the lowest we’ve found, and it was easy to secure reservations at our favorite restaurants and wineries. However, the vines and vineyards will appear bare in winter, but since you are in California it doesn’t get too cold and chances of sun are good!

If you’re looking for the cheapest time to travel, aim for mid-week in April or October. You will find that many hotels and restaurants offer discounts during these times.

How to get around in Napa Valley

Driving is the most convenient way to explore Napa. However, if you’re going to be tasting wine, it’s not a good idea to drive your own vehicle. There are several car rental companies in the region. Remember that traveling with others is the most cost-effective. So make the most of your visit to Napa by spending it with family and friends. The more the better!

Napa Valley is one hour north of San Francisco and one hour west of Sacramento. There are many day tours you can book from San Francisco and San Diego to Napa Valley.

This tour from San Francisco – takes you to the Napa and Sonoma Valleys to enjoy 3 popular wineries where you can enjoy wine tasting and winery tours.

Departing from San Francisco, Sacramento, and Sonoma Valley, this Sprinter wine tour is fully customizable. The day begins with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by tours of your choice of wineries. If you don’t know where to go, let your driver choose a few for a well-rounded experience.

Another option is the Napa Valley VINE bus. It is a public bus system that runs throughout the city. You can buy passes at most hotels or online. However, it does not take you to the wineries.

Another option would be cycling, but I don’t recommend it as some of the wineries are in hilly terrain. And usually they are separated by a considerable distance. So cycling would not be the best alternative if you want to visit numerous wineries. However, if you enjoy horseback riding in your free time and don’t want to visit wineries, Napa Valley is a beautiful and wonderful area to ride.

Here are some options for local Napa tours

Best Wine Tasting Experiences in Napa Valley on a Budget

Napa Valley is home to some of the world’s finest wineries, so it’s no surprise that wine tasting can be quite expensive. Wine tasting costs between $40 and $100 at most wineries. But no worry! There are many ways to enjoy wine tasting without breaking the bank.

Pro tip: Buy a wine tasting pass from Priority Wine Pass. They entitle you to discounted or free wine tastings at a variety of wineries. So if you want to save money, this is a great option!

Here are some of our suggestions for fantastic wine tasting at a reasonable price.

1. Black Hengst Winery

Black Stallion Winery is located in the heart of the Napa Valley near the start of the Silverado Trail. They offer a variety of wines, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay. Their wines have won numerous awards and accolades, and their tasting room is a lovely large garden terrace with plenty of outdoor seating.

Next to the terrace there is a small garden with all the different types of wine. Not only that, they even have descriptions for each strain so you can learn a lot more about them. Visit their website for more information.

2. Raymond Vineyards

Raymond Vineyards has one of the most fascinating tasting rooms of any Napa winery. The flight includes a variety of unique limited-edition Californian wines, including red and white varietals.

From their Crystal Cellar to the Red Room, they have a range of different tasting rooms that are well appointed and elegantly decorated. Additionally, they offer an educational exhibit about biodynamic and organic farming in Northern California through their Theater of Nature Walk.

$35 for a reserve tasting flight. See their website for details.

3. Guts Napa

Mumm Winery is one of the most well-known and respected sparkling wine producers in Napa Valley. So if you enjoy your bubbly this is definitely a place to visit. Her indoor/outdoor patio tasting room offers stunning views of the Napa Valley.

$35 for a reserve tasting flight. See more on their website.

4. Rombau Vineyards

Rombauer Vineyards offers one of the most spectacular views of Napa Valley. The tasting room is located on a hilltop with panoramic views of the wineries. Outdoor tables can be reserved for groups of 5-8 people.

They also offer the opportunity to sample some of my award-winning favorites, Chardonnay and Zinfandel from Napa Valley. And at $20 for a tasting flight, this might be the best value tasting in all of Napa, especially if you like Chardonnay/Zinfandel.

$20 for a test flight. More details can be found here.

5. Beringer Vineyards

Beringer Vineyards is one of the oldest and most historic wineries in all of Napa Valley. Founded in 1876, it’s the perfect place to learn about the history of winemaking in California. From their famous Rhine house to their world-renowned wines, this is a must-see for any visit to Napa.

But the highlight of the experience is definitely the self-guided tour of their vast caves. The caves are over 100 years old and were hand dug by Chinese workers. They are a fascinating piece of history and well worth a visit.

$30 for a self-guided cave tour. details here.

Where to eat in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. But that doesn’t mean they’re all expensive! Here are some great places to eat on a budget.

6. Gott’s Roadside

Gott’s Roadside is a Napa Valley institution. Founded in 1949, it is one of the oldest restaurants in the valley. And it’s still going strong today!

Gott’s is a great place for burgers and fries. But they also have a fantastic range of sandwiches, salads and shakes. And best of all, their prices are very reasonable. This is always a must for me when I’m in Napa for lunch in between winery visits. And I highly recommend their burgers!

7. The train station

The Station is a great place for breakfast or lunch. They have a wide variety of dishes on their menu, from eggs and bacon to sandwiches and salads. And their prices are relatively cheap, making them a great option for budget travelers. Plus, the food is always fresh and delicious! I highly recommend each of their baked goods and donuts. And the cookie sandwich for breakfast is my favorite!

8. Ad hoc

Ad Hoc is a restaurant by the famous chef Thomas Keller. It is a casual family style restaurant serving American comfort food.

The menu changes daily so you never know what you’re going to get. But it’s always delicious! And at $45 for four courses, it’s a great value. Considering its other restaurant down the street, French Laundry costs $400-$500 per person. However, the best option is to order fried chicken from the take-away menu. And I highly recommend the fried chicken.

9. Oxbow Public Market

Oxbow Public Market is a great place to eat on a budget. There are different providers, each with their own speciality. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, oysters, tacos, wood-fired pizza, or ice cream, you’ll find it here. And best of all, the prices are very reasonable.

I highly recommend El Porteno’s empanadas. Only $6.50 each, they’re some of the best I’ve ever had!

10. Lou’s Luncheonette

Lou’s Luncheonette is a great place for breakfast or lunch. They serve American home cooking at reasonable prices. Between Carneros and Sonoma, you’ll find this small but charming restaurant a little off the beaten track.

I would highly recommend the BBQ or chicken sandwich!

Where to stay in Napa Valley

There are some great hotels in Napa Valley. But if you’re on a budget, here are some great places to stay.

Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham – Located near downtown Napa, the Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham is a great place to stay on a budget. The suites are spacious and well equipped. And the best part is they offer free breakfast every morning!

Double Tree American Canyon – Just south of Napa, DoubleTree American Canyon is a great option for budget travelers. The rooms are clean and comfortable. And the free breakfast each morning is a real bonus!

Springhill Suites by Mariott – Located in the American Canyon, the Springfield Marriott is a great place to stay on a budget.

I would rate this hotel as the best value for money in the area. The rooms are among the most spacious and best equipped. There is a swimming pool, exercise room and business center. They offer free breakfast every morning and free coffee throughout the day. It’s also conveniently located near the entrance to the Napa Valley.

Holiday Inn Express American Canyon – If you’re looking for great accommodations on a budget, look no further than the Holiday Inn Express American Canyon. The rooms are clean and comfortable.

How to save money when visiting Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a great place to visit on a budget. There are a number of ways to save money while still enjoying everything the area has to offer. Here are some tips:

• Visit in the off-season. You will find lower prices for hotels, restaurants and activities.
• Eat at inexpensive restaurants. There are many great budget restaurants in Napa Valley.
• Stay in a budget hotel. There are several hotels in Napa Valley that won’t break the bank.

Map of Napa Valley attractions

With a little planning, you can enjoy a wonderful Napa Valley vacation without spending a fortune! So are you ready to enjoy all the wonderful things to do in Napa Valley this weekend? Good Trip!

• Read more about traveling in California