Napa and Sonoma on a Budget

September 18, 2012

(Photo Credit: Fodor's)

By Lauren Sloss

It's no secret that Northern California wine country is a must-visit destination. But expensive tastings, case purchases, and Michelin-starred meals can add up quickly.

Wine country doesn't have to be a blowout of a trip. From free tastings to epic picnic lunches, we've compiled the best of budget-friendly wine country in both Napa Valley and Sonoma County. (Yes, picnic lunches can be epic.)

Obviously, part of the point of going to wine country is to get out into the vineyards to take in the gorgeous scenery and see where the wine-making magic happens. But downtown Napa has a wealth of tasting rooms within town, too. The Downtown Wine Tasting Card gets you tastes at twelve of them, for $25. The tasting rooms might ask for a ten-cent tasting fee, but most will likely let that slide. In addition to being a great deal, no designated driver is required.

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