Team C&J
To be sure, these two regions are the crown jewels within the state’s golden crown, but great California wine-tasting experiences can be found throughout the state. Not only do these lesser-known regions produce exceptional bottles, but their tastings are reasonably priced, many are family-owned, and you won’t have to brave the tourist-heavy crowds to sample their sips.
Curious about where to wine tasting in California for $25 or less? Keep reading to discover under-the-radar regions.
If you like old-vine California Zinfandel, Carignane, Grenache, or Mourvedre – sometimes called Mataro when grapes are sourced from this region, then there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with the wines of Lodi, California.
Lodi is home to over 85 wineries, and most tastings will only set you back $10-$20 per person.
If you love white wine from the Rhone Valley, give Acquiesce Vineyards a try. This husband and wife-run winery exclusively produce white wines, including an award-winning Grenache Blanc, as well as top-rated Picpoul Blanc, Viognier, and Roussanne wines. Wine tastings at Acquiesce Vineyards are just $20 per person.
Wine lovers who enjoy Spanish varieties like Albarino, Tempranillo, and Graciano will want to add Bokisch Vineyards to their list of Lodi wineries. You can experience a tasting at Bokisch Vineyards for $15 per person – they are also pet and family-friendly, so feel free to bring the kids – furry or otherwise!
Anderson Valley is home to 30+ wine-tasting rooms. This low-key wine region is roughly an hour northwest of Napa Valley and 35 minutes north of Sonoma County. We absolutely loved our wine-tasting experience at Lula Cellars, which is located on the northernmost edge of Anderson Valley. The wines were fabulous, and their tastings are just $10 a person.
We also had a wonderful experience at Phillips Hill Winery when we visited Anderson Valley, and they offer very reasonably priced wine tastings for $15 per person. The winery will also waive the tasting fee with a $50 wine purchase.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly afternoon of wine tasting in Southern California or you want to skip the glitz of Napa for something casual, Temecula wine country should be on your radar. Growers and vintners began exploring the potential of winemaking in Temecula in the 1960s, and the region’s appeal increased when the Temecula Valley AVA was approved in 1984.
Temecula is a stone’s throw from our backyard in Orange County, and we have no problem recommending this laidback wine region. Oak Mountain Winery is one of our favorite wineries in Temecula. Gorgeous property. A tremendous variety of wine. Most importantly, tastings are $20 Monday through Friday and $25 Saturday and Sunday.
A wine tasting at Longshadow Ranch Winery is a bargain at $18 per person. Sample lesser-known grape varieties like Cinsault, or try the Estate-grown Syrah, Cabernet Franc, or Sauvignon Blanc. The Old West-styled property makes it a very popular location for photoshoots in addition to wine tasting.
Some people visit the Monterey-Carmel area for golf – hello, Pebble Beach. Some visit for charming downtown Carmel, and some visit for the relaxed wine scene.
Carmel Valley is home to lovely Chardonnays – one of the oldest Chardonnay producers in the Monterey area, Chalone Vineyards, was featured in the Judgement of Paris. Tastings at Chalone are $25 per person and free for members.
The I.Brand Winery, which we had the pleasure of visiting recently, makes outstanding Rhone-inspired wines on their I. Brand Winery label, and Spanish-inspired wines on their Marea label. Owner Ian Brand was named Winemaker of the Year by the SF Chronicle in 2018, and their tastings are $20 per person.
We can’t talk about Carmel Valley wine tasting without mentioning our friends at Galante Vineyards. Jack Galante’s Pinot Noirs, Malbecs, and Cabernet Sauvignons never disappoint, and a five-wine tasting is $20.
The name Santa Cruz conjures images of sand and surfing. But what many wine lovers may not know is that just above those famous waves, high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, winemakers are crafting some pretty amazing wines. And, the best part? You can find wine tastings for under $25.
The cool climate of this fog-cloaked mountain area produces wines that are light and elegant. Varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive here, and you will also find lighter interpretations of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.
When you go wine tasting in the Santa Cruz Mountains, check out Beauregard Vineyards, where you can snag a tasting for $25 per person and sit under the canopies of California Coastal Redwoods while you sip. Tastings are free when you spend $50+ on wine. Beauregard’s rosé makes an excellent summer wine.
One of the newer darlings of the California wine community, Madson Wines, is also located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Madson Wine’s Pinot Noir was recently featured as the SF Chronicle’s Wine of the Week, and the same wine received a 94-point score from Wine Enthusiast. For $25, you can reserve a tasting at Madson Wines. Talk about a good deal!
There are so many worthwhile wine regions in California where you can go wine tasting for under $25 per person. Pick up a bottle or two, and you will pay no tasting fee at all. The tasting rooms of Napa and Sonoma may be the most popular in California, but don’t let that deter you from finding great deals beyond those luxury experiences.
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