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Wine Tasting Tips:
Coming to the wine region for the very first time (or not) a lot of people don’t know what to expect. It can be a little intimidating with the vast amounts of amazing things to choose from. From winery experiences, to restaurants, lodging, and even which private car service to use.
LET'S TALK 2024 WINE TASTINGS
What’s going on? Why do the prices seem to be higher? How do you even choose where to go?
The answer is wineries are expanding. The Valley has been making the shift towards expanding for many years. The wineries up valley have started to aim more towards experiences rather than just a tasting. Tastings are now for the tasting rooms themselves which are usually located in the downtown areas. Although, the prices have increased, so have the offerings, the experiences and the pours
TIPPING
Now that we’ve explained what’s going on in the North Bay region, we’ll get to the topic at hand — Tipping.
WHO TO TIP AND THE AMOUNT
Locally, the Napa Valley Wine Industry provides nearly 40,000 jobs. If you work in the industry, chances are your income has a lot to do with relying on gratuity for your hospitality.
Whether that is serving tables or a bottle of wine, the service is the same. Hosts and guides are also providing you a service and hopefully entertaining you during your visit.
This goes to say, most employees in the industry will tell you, “tipping is not expected, it is appreciated.” However, many consumers are unaware that they could even tip them.
Now, let’s wrap this up by getting to the amount you, a consumer, would tip an industry employee. Average costs for a tasting (in Napa Valley) is now up to $30-50 per person with the cost of an experience being $75-150 per person. The average tipping is 18-20%.
If your host goes above and beyond to make your experience a memorable one, tip them! They do not expect it but it is surely appreciated!
Additional: There are multiple private wine tours, Napa Wine Tours, Sonoma Wine Tours, Calistoga Wine Tours, St. Helena Wine Tours, Yountville Wine Tours. Consider booking with us here at Designated Driver North Bay that can cover all areas in the North Bay!