In recent years, there’s been an increasing trend among Napa wineries to require appointments for tastings. This can be challenging for visitors who lean towards a more relaxed travel style. And it often comes as a surprise for returning visitors who recall the days, not so long ago, when walk-in tastings were common in Napa Valley.
Fortunately, we’ve noticed Napa’s appointment-only trend seems to be softening up a bit, as more wineries are starting to send the message that they are once again welcoming walk-ins.
We’ve done the research for you and rounded up a list of walk-in friendly wineries in Napa Valley. As you might expect, our list highlights wineries that are all within biking distance of our bike rental shop in Yountville.
And that’s not all! Keep reading below and we’ll share another 20+ Napa wineries where you can most likely score a same-day appointment.
Know Before You Go by Bike:
- Familiarize yourself with local roads and bicycling infrastructure to ensure your route is appropriate for your comfort and experience level. Check out our guide: What are the Roads Like?
- E-Bikes are recommended for recreational bikers for any ride that will be longer than 10-12 miles. Remember to consider the full roundtrip distance of your ride!
- Moderate consumption when tasting. Operating a bike carries the same responsibilities (and penalties) as driving a car under the influence.
- Obey all traffic laws, always ride single file and with the flow of traffic.
Note: Winery policies are subject to change. Always check directly with any winery you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information. Walk-in tastings are subject to availability. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends or for any party of 6+.
15 Napa Valley Wineries that Welcome Walk-Ins for Tastings (September 2024)
Distances and approximate biking times listed are from our Yountville rental shop.
Beaulieu Vineyards | 🚲 6.5 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
BV stands proudly as one of Napa Valley’s longest continually operating wineries, with a legacy that goes back more than 120 years.
Black Stallion | 🚲 7 miles, 🕐 ~35 minutes
Visit Black Stallion’s self-guided demonstration vineyard to learn about grape varietals and (in season) to taste wine grapes from the vines.
Clos Du Val | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Clos Du Val’s new District Experience invites guests to enjoy wines on tap by the glass, through a flight, or by the bottle in their outdoor garden seating area.
Domaine Chandon | 🚲 1 mile, 🕐 ~7 minutes
Fans of bubbly wines can enjoy wines by the glass or bottle or opt for a tasting flight at Chandon stylish indoor and outdoor seating options.
Foley-Johnson | 🚲 5.5 miles, 🕐 ~27 minutes
The 50-acre estate property located in the heart of Rutherford focuses on luxury Bordeaux-style wines with tastings hosted inside their hospitality barn or outdoors on a welcoming terrace.
Frog’s Leap | 🚲 8 miles, 🕐 ~45 minutes
Enjoy an outdoor tasting under the arbor overlooking the winery’s organic gardens and orchards and their historic red barn, built in 1884.
Mumm | 🚲 7.5 miles, 🕐 ~40 minutes
Sparkling wine flights are served on Mumm’s outdoor patio with sweeping views of the vineyards and Mayacamas mountains. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome as availability allows.
Oakville Wine Merchant | 🚲 4.5 miles, 🕐 ~25 minutes
Oakville Wine Merchant is a great option when you have diverse palates among your party, or if you’re just beginning to learn what types of wines you enjoy. The self-serve tasting concept features wines from all over Napa Valley, with wine educators nearby to help you make selections.
Odette Estate | 🚲 4.5 miles, 🕐~25 minutes
Odette Estate is committed to producing estate grown wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious growing regions in Napa Valley.
Peju | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Known for its fairytale architecture and uniquely pruned Sycamore trees lining the driveway, Peju is family-owned winery with a history going back more than 40 years in Napa Valley.
Plumpjack | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Visit Plumpjack’s century-old, 43-acre Estate Vineyard for a tasting hosted on their outdoor patio accompanied by artisanal cheeses.
Raymond | 🚲 8 miles, 🕐 ~45 minutes
Wine enthusiasts with a flair for the dramatic will appreciate a visit to Raymond Vineyards. Proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset puts immeasurably creativity into crafting unique environs and sensory experiences for visitors.
Silverado Vineyards | 🚲 4 miles, 🕐 ~20 minutes
Enjoy sweeping views from the patio of this hilltop winery offering small-production, estate-grown wines.
Silver Oak | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
A Napa Valley icon for more than 50 years, Silver Oak is one of the best-known names for outstanding Cabernet. A new quickie 2-pour tasting option is available for $30.
St. Supéry | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Choose from a variety of interactive tasting experiences, explore the onsite art gallery and meander through the demonstration vineyard and gardens. Walk-ins welcome Mon-Thurs only.
Bonus: 20+ Napa Wineries Where You Can Likely Score a Same-Day Appointment
In addition to wineries welcoming walk-ins, there are a number of wineries where you have a fair chance of securing a same-day appointment by calling ahead – especially on weekdays. Noting appointments are required at the following wineries, so you must call ahead to reserve.
Backstage Wines | 🚲 5.6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Baldacci Family | 🚲 3.5 miles, 🕐 ~20 minutes
Biale | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Chimney Rock | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Cliff Lede | 🚲 2.5 miles, 🕐 ~15 minutes
Elizabeth Spencer | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Ghost Block | 🚲 4.5 miles, 🕐 ~25 minutes
Groth | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Goosecross | 🚲 2.5 miles, 🕐 ~15 minutes
Honig | 🚲 7.5 miles, 🕐 ~40 minutes
James Cole | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Laird Family | 🚲 4 miles, 🕐 ~20 minutes
Materra | 🚲 5 miles, 🕐 ~25 minutes
Miner Family | 🚲 5.5 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Monticello | 🚲 5.3 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Paraduxx | 🚲 3.5 miles, 🕐 ~20 minutes
Regusci | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Rutherford Hill | 🚲 9 miles, 🕐 ~55 minutes
Rutherford Ranch | 🚲 8.2 miles, 🕐 ~45 minutes
Saddleback | 🚲 6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Sequoia Grove | 🚲 5.6 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
Trefethen | 🚲 5.2 miles, 🕐 ~30 minutes
ZD | 🚲 7 miles, 🕐 ~40 minutes