Is the Priority Wine Pass Worth it For First Time Visitors
Visiting Napa Valley can be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and if it’s your first time, I know you want to make it epic! It’s a luxury destination known for unforgettable experiences, but those experiences can come with a hefty price tag.
That’s where the Priority Wine Pass comes in. You might be wondering, “Is it too good to be true? Is the Priority Wine Pass actually worth it for me?”
I live in The Bay Area, and Napa Valley is truly my happy place, and I love visiting as often as possible. I recently got the Priority Wine Pass, and can honestly say, it’s worth it for the right person and the right itinerary.
The pass gives you access to a long list of winery discounts, but it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are actually worth your time. That’s where I come in! With my experience as a frequent Napa visitor, I’ll break down which discounts are truly valuable, and which ones you can skip.
And here’s the best part: You don’t need to use the pass for every tasting to make your money back. With just a few tweaks to your itinerary, you can save a surprising amount. That’s why I’m sharing a 2-day Napa itinerary that saves almost $500 to show exactly how to use the wine pass and how quickly the savings can add up.
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What Exactly is the Priority Wine Pass
The Priority Wine Pass is a digital wine tasting card that gives you access to exclusive discounts at participating wineries, hotels, and experiences. So if you are traveling to Napa on a budget, this is the pass for you.
It also includes free itinerary planning services and offers savings not just in Napa Valley, but also in Sonoma, other California wine regions, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Texas.
The best discount they offer is the 2-for-1 tastings, these are the deals that I like to take advantage of with my wine pass. It means two people can enjoy a wine tasting for the price of one. It’s an easy way to literally cut your tasting fees in half.
Ready to make your Napa trip unforgettable and affordable? Grab the Priority Wine Pass and start saving on tastings, experiences, and even your hotel stay — all with one easy pass.
Who is the Priority Wine Pass For
The Priority Wine Pass can save you hundreds of dollars if it fits your travel style and plans. Here’s who I think will get the most out of it:
1. Couples or Two-Person Groups
The best value comes from the 2-for-1 tastings, so it’s perfect if you’re traveling with a partner or friend. You only need to buy one pass per couple to start saving right away.
2. First-Time Visitors to Napa Valley
It’s especially great for first-time visitors, since it offers discounts on classic Napa experiences you’re likely already planning, like a hot air balloon ride or the Napa Valley Wine Train.
3. Locals or Frequent Visitors
It’s also ideal for locals or frequent visitors like me who live near Napa or other wine regions. Since it’s a year-long pass, I can use it over and over again to get savings at wineries across California, and bring one other person along with me each time.
Who is the Priority Wine Pass NOT For
While the Priority Wine Pass offers great value for many Napa Valley visitors, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Here are a few scenarios where I don’t recommend purchasing the pass:
1. Solo Travelers
Most of the pass’s best wine tasting offers are 2-for-1 deals, which means they only make sense if you’re traveling with at least one other person. If you’re visiting Napa solo or only one person in your group plans to do tastings, the savings might not add up.
2. You Already Have a Set Itinerary
If you’ve carefully planned your trip and already booked tastings at specific wineries that aren’t affiliated with the Priority Wine Pass, then it probably won’t be useful to you.
3. You’re Not Interested in the Extras
Even if you don’t visit any of the partner wineries, you can still make your money back through the pass’s lodging discounts and savings on other local experiences.
But if you’re not interested in staying at one of their partnered hotels or don’t plan to book additional tours or activities, then the Priority Wine Pass is not worth it for you.
Which Discounts Are Worth It & Which Are Not
Not all of the discounts on the Priority Wine Pass are treated equal, some offer way greater value than others.
Discounts That Are NOT Worth It:
For example, some of the discounts are things like an “extra splash” or an “additional pour.” But honestly, most wineries do that anyway. I’ve never been to a tasting where they wouldn’t let you revisit a wine, and more often than not, they’ll pour you an extra taste of something they think you’ll enjoy.
Another perk I don’t think adds much value is the waived tasting fee with a bottle purchase. Many wineries already offer that on their own.
For example, AXR (which is incredible and one of my personal favorites) is listed on the pass for a complimentary tasting with the purchase of any three bottles. But AXR already offers this deal without needing a wine pass, so you don’t actually need the pass to get that discount.
Discounts That Are Worth It:
The best value, in my opinion, comes from the 2-for-1 tastings, you just can’t beat that price in Napa. But where you’ll really get the most bang for your buck is by using the hotel discounts.
Lodging in Napa Valley can get pricey, especially during peak season in the summer. If you can save 20% on a great hotel, that alone can easily cover the cost of the wine pass (and then some).
There are also solid savings on experiences like bike tours, the Napa Valley Wine Train, and even a hot air balloon ride. While the discounts on those aren’t massive, every little bit helps when you’re planning a luxury getaway.
🍷 Wine Gal Tip: Use the money you’re saving and put it toward hiring a private driver or enjoying a private tour for the day. That way, you can sit back, relax, and fully enjoy your Napa tastings—without the stress of worrying about a designated driver. Trust me, it’s so worth it!
How Much Does The Priority Wine Pass Cost?
There are three different prices for wine passes. The one they has the most value for the cost is the 1 year wine pass, which includes all of the wine tastings deals and free itinerary planning.
The 1 year pass is $69 however, with my coupon code, you can get it for $49, the same price as their 3 day pass. And you only need one pass per couple to get access to loads of savings in Napa.
✅ Snag the Priority Wine Pass & get $20 off with my coupon code here
How Much Can You Expect to Pay in Napa Valley
If you’re planning a two-night trip for two people to Napa Valley without using the Priority Wine Pass, here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect to spend:
- Wine tastings (average $75 per person, 2 tastings per day): $300
- Hotel (average nightly rate, not during peak season): $403 x 2 nights = $806
- Transportation (rental car or Uber): $200+
- Food (average $108 per person, per day): $432
💰 Estimated total: $1,738+
And that doesn’t include extras like a bike tour, hot air balloon ride, or a private driver for the day.
Two Day Itinerary Using the Priority Wine Pass
Stay in downtown Napa at Andaz Napa: A chic, modern hotel located in the heart of downtown Napa. Walkable to shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms.
Day 1: Wine Tasting & Exploring Yountville
Start your morning with Model Bakery’s legendary English muffins in downtown Napa. Then head north to Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga, where you’ll ride the iconic gondola up to this hilltop winery and enjoy stunning views paired with your tasting.
Next, make your way to Paraduxx Winery, part of the Duckhorn family. Relax on their beautiful courtyard and enjoy red blends with light bites, all just steps from the vineyards.
For lunch, head to downtown Yountville to Bistro Jeanty, a charming French bistro known for its must-try tomato soup. If you’re up for one more tasting, pop across the street to Hill Family Estate, a welcoming and casual tasting room with delicious wine.
Day 2: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Wine Tastings
Begin your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley, an unforgettable experience with panoramic views of wine country.
After landing, you’ll want to treat yourself to a pastry from Bouchon Bakery before heading to Hall Rutherford for their exclusive Appellation Experience. Explore the dramatic wine caves and the stunning Chandelier Room as you taste Halls impressive portfolio of wines.
Grab fresh sandwiches from my favorite spot Giugni’s Deli in St. Helena, then enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch at Pestoni Family Estate Winery. I used my Priority Wine Pass at Pestoni, their picnic tasting was casual and self-paced. We loved relaxing under the shaded picnic table on the soft green grass, and strolling through their beautiful gardens as we sipped on wine.
- Andaz Napa: Approximately $800 for two nights, save $160 (20% off room rate)
- Sterling Vineyards: Save $55 (2 for 1 tasting)
- Paraduxx: Save $45-60 (2 for 1 tasting)
- Hill Family Estate: Save $40 (2 for 1 tasting + 10% off purchases)
- Napa Valley Aloft: Save $40 ($20 off per guest up to four guests)
- Hall Rutherford: Save $90 ($45 off per person)
- Pestoni Family Estate Winery: Save $45 (2 for 1 tasting)
🤑 Total Savings for two people over two days in Napa Valley: $475-490
Priority Wine Pass Vs. The Other Wine Passes
Priority Wine Pass |
Other Wine Passes/Passports |
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My Honest Opinion: Is It Worth It?
Yes, absolutely! The Priority Wine Pass is definitely worth it for some serious savings in Napa Valley.
To get the most out of your pass, book your stay at one of the partner hotels offering a 20% discount and reserve one or two tastings through the pass. It’s an easy way to get your money’s worth, and then some.
And, the savings can go straight toward something truly worthwhile, like hiring a private driver for the day or upgrading a wine tasting tour.
