Hello everyone 🙂

Most of us, want to go to nice places and enjoy fancy things, but most of us do not have money trees growing in our backyards (Some of us don’t even have back yards!) I really wanted to go to Napa Valley as a graduation/23rd birthday gift to myself and I made it happen on my part-time Macy’s Cosmetics Counter girl budget. If I can do that, so can you. Which is why I bring you: NAPA VALLEY; for regular people! AKA Napa on a Budget so you can be boujee without breaking the bank. Let’s get to it:

Where to Stay

When I was researching, the hotel options were SO limited in my price range. I was really bummed and realized the trip might not be possible if we had no where to stay. Lo & behold, Air BNB saved the day! We stayed in Vallejo, which was about a 15-20 minute drive into the Napa area from their home, but it was SO worth it. For only $38/night, we rented a private room in their home, with it’s own unique lock. The host had a FULL breakfast spread every morning with a stocked fridge and tons of snacks that she encouraged us to take for the day. They have a 5 bedroom home & rent out three so if you’re going on a girls trip or with friends, this place would be great if you’re okay with staying somewhere like this. It saved us sooo much money. Here’s the link to the exact room we stayed in.

TOTAL COST: $66/person for three nights

Wine Tastings

So, we were able to do six wine TOTALLY different tastings in two days while staying under a reasonable budget. It’s Napa, nothings going to be free but I feel like you genuinely got the bang for your buck with these. I’m just going to go through the benefits of each one, links & pricing.

Also, I have to say this, but please remember to drink responsibly if you’re going to consume alcohol.

Let’s go:

Tasting #1: Robert Mondavi – Price: $25

If you do not know much about wine, or at least at a Napa Valley level, I would make this your first stop. Robert Mondavi offers a very inexpensive wine tasting basics course that teaches you enough to “fake it until you make it.” Honestly though, I learned a lot from this crash course! It’s 45 minutes long and you can walk around the grounds afterwards. Reservations are required ahead a time thought, so please plan accordingly.

Robert Mondavi Wine Tasting Basics

Tasting #2: Sterling Vineyards -$35 

This was a must do experience. For $35, we were able to take a air gondola to the Tasting Home, which is multiple stories atop a hill. Upon arrival, we were greeted with signature glasses and took a self-guided tour through the stories of the home learning about each of the five wines sampled and how they are made. At the top, you reach a terrance where you can order more wine by the glass if you’d like. Because it was earlier in the day, we ordered an additional glass each and enjoyed the California sunshine for at least an hour. It was wonderful! We never felt rushed to leave (they probably wanted our $$$ which jokes on them–we didn’t have).

Sterling Vineyards General Admission

in the air gondola right up to the tasting house

Tasting #3: Inglenook – Price: $45

Alright. I will be the first to admit: the actual tasting here was a little boujee, even for me. The grounds are GORGEOUS and probably my favorite. However, the tasting was done in a smaller room that was dark, stuffy and historical if that’s even an adjective that can describe the physical attributes of a room. It was quite fascinating once I stopped being defensive. I think this could be one of the last stops you make so you don’t feel like such a novice. Maybe I was too young and naive to appreciate it at 22, or maybe it was more a day two stop but it really was so beautiful and not very crowded!

Inglenook Heritage Tasting

Tasting #4: Ma(i)sonry – Price: $45 (Then I bought a $30 bottle)

Okkayyyy this place rocked. For $45, you get a completely 100% customized tasting in an outdoor garden. It was me, my friend and our Sommelier..that was it. We both got about 4-5 wines each at least and in doing that, I found the best wine I have ever tasted: a 2012 Tuck Beckstoffer Melee Grenache. It was only $30 and was my only splurge & I brought it home to drink on my birthday. I thought that was fair! Oh, and if that wasn’t enough to convince you, this place doubles as an art gallery inside.

Maisonry Medallion Wine Flight Experience

Tasting #5: Castello di Amarosa – Price: $45 

At the time, every blog and Pinterest post said this was a must do. Looking back, it’s honestly an imitation castle that is somewhat tacky and touristy! There, I said it. General admission here is $30 but it was only $15 additional for the tour of the cellars & the “torture chamber.” You see what I’m saying about tacky..? At times, it reminded me of the medieval times of Napa. Then, the tasting was rushed while standing &  pushed to join their membership club for the entirety. The cellars were super neat and the views from the top of the castle were irreplaceable, that’s for sure.  I will say, I’m glad I experienced it, but I do not consider this a “must do.”

Castello di Amarosa Guided Tour & Tasting

Tasting #6: V. Sattui – $20-$35

This…is a MUST DO. A much more casual experience, this would be a great lunch stop. There are guided tastings starting at $20, however if you want, there is a gourmet deli filled with tons of wine you can purchase on the spot! My friend and I opted to just buy a bottle and enjoy it picnic style on the patio. In doing so, we met some really amazing locals who shared their alcohol with us and shared their hopes and dreams of becoming country singers and all was so lovely. I would’ve gone there often if I was a local too!

me & my beautiful friend Anne Louise who accompanied me on my wild California summer trip

Grand tasting total: $245 for two days of SIX unique experiences!

Other Central California experiences

Okay, so why make the trek to Napa Valley without exploring more of what this beautiful state has to offer?? You’d be surprised at much you can experience for no more money than parking & gas.

• Drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur–I don’t have photos but just trust me on this one.
• Santa Cruz Boardwalk & dip your toes into the Pacific Ocean!
• Monterey Bay & Carmel-by-the-Sea
  

  Fisherman’s Wharf Monterey Bay

  

  Village Corner breakfast before a morning in Carmel-by-the-Sea

• Sightsee in San Francisco

Iconic Golden Gate Bridge

Painted Ladies

Sea Lions at Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf

• 

  16th Ave Steps

I hope you enjoyed reading this & found something helpful. Now, go grab your girls for a sassy weekend away or your bae for an anniversary of your dreams!! What are you waiting for? Happy traveling xoxo 🙂

Don’t miss out on following along!

Follow me on Instagram

Shop my looks

Get more ideas for your next trip on my Pinterest

Apply for an International Visa– Where to next??

Or contact me for more info or to chat!