This is our hand-picked list of wineries where you can expect low-to no crowds and an intimate setting. These spots require a reservation, but with a little bit of planning you can expect an amazing private wine tasting experience. Don’t forget, if you’re already a wine pass holder then for a small fee we can personally make all the booking for you! Otherwise, we hope you get to enjoy these wineries to yourself.
John Anthony (Downtown Napa): This is an incredible VIP experience and very has limited space and availability. Make a reservation by emailing info@prioritywinepass.com ($200 value).
Learn How To Taste Wine with Victor Orozco (Napa): Victor is a level 3 Somm who hosts private morning lessons where you can learn about the ways of tasting and then can go out and use those skills at the wineries during the day. Normally $90pp wine pass members and guests receive the class for $65pp w/reservation: 707-812-9292. This is fun way to start the day and to brush up on your skills. Only your group is part of the lesson.
Ancien Wines (Downtown Napa): Tastings can be set up by appointment and only include your group and tasting staff. This is a very intimate experience in the heart of Napa. With your wine pass you can receive a special price of $40pp (up to 4 people) for a VIP tasting ($40 SAVINGS) This place is known for their Chardonnay and Pinot!
Avinodos (Napa): This is also another appointment only winery which means that it will be you, your group and the winemaker. With your wine pass you get a 2 for 1 Tasting and Barrel Tasting and a meet and greet with the winemaker. This is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY($30 SAVINGS). They are known for their Sauv Blanc and Malbec.
Relic Wine Cellars (Off of Silverado Trail Napa): They only do a few tastings a day and is located way up soda canyon road in the valley. This means you can expect great views, no people, and a high end experience. With your wine pass you get a complimentary private tasting for two with a $300 purchase or $40 tasting fee per person (this winery is allocation only, so members receive access to this winery to purchase their wine when otherwise you would not be able to do so). They are known for their Pinot, Petite Sirah, Cab Franc.
Modus Operandi Cellars (St. Helena in the Brasswood village): This is another high end private experience with only your group. With prior reservation receive 2 complimentary tastings with $150 purchase..tastings are at 10am, Noon, and 2pm ($30 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Merlot, Cab, Red blends, Rose, Syrah *private room and experience..just your group..
Boeschen Vineyards (St. Helena): Reservations are required..and with a 2 Red bottle purchases receive a Complimentary Tasting and tour of the underground winery, Victorian gardens, and classic car collection for TWO people by appt only. Please phone the winery (707 963-3674) or send an email info@boeschenvineyards.com ($150 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Rose, Petite Verdot, Estate Blends, Cab *all time favorites..cab starts at $100/btl though..only 3 tours daily and not every day..hard to get in..awesome antique porsche collection and gardens once featured on the cover of sunset magazine
Maxville Estate Winery (St.Helena near Pope Valley): Maxville lets you escape the main drag and drive up into the hills of pope valley. Here you can have the entire winery to yourself as a group or a couple. They can also cater lunch in or you can picnic here. With your wine pass you’ll receive 2 for 1 Historic Winery Cave Tour and Tasting or 2 for 1 Cave Tour and Cheese and Wine Pairing w/reservations ($85 SAVINGS). They are known for their Sauv Blanc, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, & Petit Sirah
Auburn James (Silverado Trail in St. Helena): you can get this place all to yourself with reservation. This place offers a lovely winery setting and there’s even a bocce ball court your group can play at outside. With your wine pass you get 50% off tasting/tour for up to 2 people with reservation, ($40 SAVINGS). They are known for their Chardonnay, Cab, Pinot, Red Blends.
AXR Napa Valley at V Madrone Vineyard (St.Helena/Calistoga): Get away from the crowds and experience Napa like a VIP with this fun and private 75 minute experience. You’ll be greeted with wine when you pull up and you’ll even get to enjoy an unique outdoor tasting experience in the redwoods. With a Priority Wine Pass you get TWO free tasting and tour experiences, (normally $75 per person) when you spend $100 or more on wine. They are known for their Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Red blends, and their Cabs.
Bravante Vineyards (Angwin/Howell Mountain): This is another winery that’s defintely worth checking out. With your wine pass you’ll get a 2 for 1 tasting with reservations and picnic rights ($40 Savings). They are known for their Estate Cabs, Red blends, Merlot, Chardonnay, and their Rose.
Reverie II (DeerPark): This awesome spot offers great view and great wines. This place also has very few people. With your wine pass you can get a complimentary Tasting for 4 with $300 purchase and by appointment only. They are known for their Barbera, Tempranillo, Cab Franc, Red Blends, and Cabs.
Pope Valley (Pope Valley): This is an amazing spot that’s off the beaten path. It’s a little more of a drive to get to, but defintely worth it. This also means there are minimal people. They are also picnic friendly and pet friendly. With a wine pass you’ll get one complimentary tasting per wine pass ($30 SAVINGS). They are known for: Sparkling, Chenin Blanc, Rose, Sangiovese, Merlot, Malbec, Cab, Port.
Canihan Winery (South Sonoma) Here you can enjoy a private tasting with owner Bill Canihan. This means that it’s only your party and Bill. This place offers a laid back country setting. It is a super boutique property in south Sonoma near the Sonoma square. You can receive a 2 for 1 tasting with your wine pass. Just email bill for reservations: bill@canihanwines.com
Dutton Goldfield (Sebastopol): With your wine pass you can enjoy a 2 for 1 Elevated Tasting experience with appointment. They do an amazing sushi and wine pairing experience that is a must if you’re a sushi lover. They are known for their Single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Zinfandel, Rose, and Syrah. Please call or email for reservations.
Enriquez Wines (Forestville): Join Enriquez Estate Wines for a private Estate ATV tour in beautiful Russian River Valley. On this private wine tasting tour you will learn all about their history, winemaking techniques, and farming practices firsthand from Winemaker, Cecilia Enriquez. You can also enjoying a delicious chef catered lunch in the vineyard. With your wine pass you will get a special offer of $65pp. This offer is good for one priority wine pass member and a guest!($95 Savings). However please know that this is by appointment only and a 48-hour advance booking is required. This is a super intimate booking as its only your party. They also only do 2-3 tours per day. They are known for their Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc Blend, Muscat, Late Harvest Pinot Noir, and thier Tempranillo Rose.
ACORN Winery/Alegría Vineyards (Healdsburg): With your wine pass you can enjoy their 2 for 1 PRIVATE sit down tasting with owner or winemaker ($30 Value). A reservation is required. Again this is just your party and the owner. This is a truly private experience and they only do 3-4 tasting per day with private parties. Your wine pass will also get you 10% off bottle purchases. They are known for their Cab, Cab Franc, Sangiovese, Red blends, Syrah, Zin, and Petite Sirah.
G&C Lurton Vineyard (Healdsburg): Here, your wine pass will get you 2 Complimentary tastings & private estate tour available ($20+ value). This too is by reservation only. The private estate tour is fabulous but we definitely recommend you reach out in advance. Please email Pascal: pascal@gc-lurton-vineyards.com. They are known for Bordeaux style wines, cab, merlot, cab franc, and sb.
Viszlay Vineyards (Healdsburg): This winery is located just off the 101 so it’s in the countryside, but very easy to get to. Again with reservations your group will be the only one here and there are no more than 2 staff members. This is a very unique small winery experience you have to try. Your wine pass will get you 2 for 1 Tastings with Advance Reservations ($15 value). They are known for their Rose, Chardonnay, Pinot, Red Blends, Zin, Petite Sirah, and a Prosecco.
Albertina Wine Cellars (Hopland): If you really want to get away from the public and venture further off the beaten path, this is a wonderful spot. Here you and your party will enjoy a 1-2 hour private tour by the owner and winemaker. You’ll explore the vineyards and estate and you can expect no other people around. Your wine pass will get you the tour and a complimentary tasting when you visit. They are known for their Cab and Merlot. Reservations are required since this is by appointment only.
Happy Canyon Ranch (Santa Ynez): “VIP Vineyard Tour and Tasting of 6 wines, Cheese and Charcuterie pairing at Happy Canyon Vineyard. There are no tasting fees, but there is a minimum bottle purchase requirement and Priority Wine Pass members receive 25% off purchases of the minimum” ($700+ value) Join us for a very special vineyard tour and tasting experience at our Vineyard in Santa Ynez. See the heart of why our wines our world class, check out our two private polo fields, and taste six wines at our luxury estate setting. They are known for their Bordeaux Blends, Sauv Blancs, Merlots, and Cabs.
Priority Pass Holders Receive :
- Exclusive tour of our vineyard
- Tasting of 6 wines
- Cheese and Charcuterie wine pairing
Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance and is based on availability. We request that Priority pass holders purchase at least 8 bottles of wine for the tour and tasting experience. Maximum of 6 people per reservation.
Spenker Winery (Lodi): This winery is unique family run operation. The Spenkers live on the property and make you feel like you’re part of the family when visiting. Again this tasting is only for you and your guests and you’ll enjoy a very intimate experience. With your wine pass you’ll get a complimentary Tasting and 15% off case purchases ($5+ value). They are Known for their Zin and Petite Sirah.
Lucca Winery (Modesto/Ripon): This is another recommended tasting in a private setting since it would be just you and the winemaker/owner. Here your wine pass will get you a complimentary tasting and tour. They are known for their Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, and Mourvedre.
Element 79 Vineyards (Somerset ): Here a wine pass will get you a complimentary tour & tasting in a private setting ($10 value). This would be you and the winemaker. You can also enjoy 10% off purchases when you visit. This place is by appointment only and is known for their chardonnay, viognier, riesling, merlot, syrah, gsm, malbec, and more!
Forgeron Cellars (Walla Walla, WA): This is another tasting that would be just your goup. Experience the Reserve Cellar Tour & Tasting Experience for 4 people for only $80 (regularly $100). This amazing experience is only available with prior reservation.
Martedi Winery (Woodinville, WA): If you are traveling with a large (and healthy) group this is a great location to check out. Not only will your wine pass get you a Complimentary Tasting for Two, but groups of 8 or more get a Private Winemaker Pouring.
Pfeiffer Winery (Junction City,OR): Last but not least, you will be able to get away from the crowds at beautiful winery. Here you can enjoy 2 complimentary pinots, plus tastings in the Tuscan tasting room (by appt only)
