Favorite Free Wine Tastings in Napa?

[kresge86]

What are your favorite FREE tasting rooms in the Napa Valley? Napa has a reputation for being expensive, but I know there are some bargains available. For example, I love the fact that Heitz Cellars doesn't charge for its tastings, but has some lovely wines/ports. Are there others folks can recommend?

[wolfe]

Old list of free tastings. Caveat, things change, call first.
http://www.drvino.com/2003/07/26/free...

Remember when the whole Trinchero family used to great you before white zinfandel?

[kresge86]

Thanks baron45 and wolfe. For others out there, I thought I should mention that tastings at Frank Family are still free. I'm not a huge fan of their wines, but the tasting experience is quite nice. They start you off in one room with their sparkling wines, and then you move into a separate room for non-sparkling wines. The location is beautiful, and the tastings are held in a renovated old farmhouse.

[maria lorraine]

Many wineries do deduct the fee if you purchase a bottle. Also, many wineries never charge you for tasting if you purchase a bottle when you check out. They just quietly waive the fee. Two different things. Re: traffic: There are ways around the madness. Stay off Highway 29, and take the back roads, like the locals.

[BN1]

On the fee issue, unfortunately waived fees have not been my experience. Only Mr. Milat waived off any fees and that was before I purchased several of his fine wines on a most enjoyable visit.

[VenerableBede]

i like august briggs. . .

however, to me what's more valuable are those places that don't charge if you buy a bottle...

[kresge86]

Thanks VenerableBede. I checked out their website, and it looks great. I must be getting old, because I miss the "good ol' days" in Napa when you could find free, low key, tasting rooms, often staffed by family or winemakers. On the other hand, I really prefer the current food offerings :)

[baron45]

Pride and Paloma, but appts are necessary.