Question 1

What is the "Inflated Tasting Fee Bait-and-Switch" scam in Napa?

Accepted Answer

Numerous Napa Valley wineries advertise tasting fees on their websites at one price ($30–$50) while applying a higher fee upon arrival, citing "experience upgrades" the visitor did not request, or revealing that the advertised fee was only valid for "basic" pours no longer offered. Some tasting rooms near the downtown Napa waterfront on McKinstry Street and Main Street apply this practice frequently during peak season weekends. Confirm the exact tasting fee when making your reservation and upon arrival before sitting down. Ask specifically: "Is there any upcharge for today's tasting compared to what is on your website?" Make reservations directly on the winery's official site—third-party reservation platforms sometimes list outdated pricing.

Question 2

What is the "Restaurant Corkage Fee Undisclosed Until Bill" scam in Napa?

Accepted Answer

Napa Valley's high-end restaurants—particularly along Washington Street in Yountville (including three-Michelin-star French Laundry on Creek Street) and on Main Street in St. Helena—charge corkage fees of $35–$75 per bottle for wines brought by diners. In some instances, staff fail to disclose the corkage fee when guests arrive with bottles, presenting it only at checkout. Some restaurants charge per bottle regardless of whether the wine is poured. Always call ahead to confirm a restaurant's corkage fee policy before bringing wine. Ask: "What is your corkage fee and does it apply per bottle or per pour?" Restaurants in California are required to disclose fees—insist on written confirmation if it is not offered. High-end Yountville restaurants can charge $75+ per bottle.

Question 3

What is the "Souvenir Wine Accessories Bait-and-Switch at Gift Shops" scam in Napa?

Accepted Answer

Gift shops along Napa's First Street and Highway 29 corridor advertise premium wine accessories, corkscrews, and glassware sets at one price on display, but ring them up at a higher price at checkout. Tourists with wine cases to pack often pick up accessories impulsively and do not notice the discrepancy until reviewing the receipt later. Check the price tag on each item before bringing it to the register, and review the receipt before leaving the store. If the amount charged does not match the displayed price, request a price correction from the store manager.

Restaurant Scams in Napa

Inflated Tasting Fee Bait-and-Switch

Restaurant Corkage Fee Undisclosed Until Bill

Souvenir Wine Accessories Bait-and-Switch at Gift Shops

Experienced a scam here?