It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Migliavacca Mansion gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Napa, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“This place is great! I highly recommend for family care and employment”
“I have worked for Always Best care for over 7 years! I have always been”
“Great company! They care about their clients & their caregivers better than I've seen any”
“I am a current client of this provider They take me to appointments and shopping. I like”
“I first had contact with Always Best Care in October of 2023, needing help for”
“I did not know a service like this even existed! Taking care of a parent with”
“Stephanie DeMartile has been an absolute pleasure to work with! She's very kind, knowledgeable and”
“Our sister was under the care of Stephanie DeMartile and her team and received superb”
“Always Best Care is such an amazing company. Helping meet our seniors needs and guiding”
“I am a past client of this provider The agency did all the leg work. Stephanie made”
“It was Christmas day when my In laws had fallen and both were in”
“I am a current client of this provider I have someone to walk with since I”
“After my Dad came to live with us rather suddenly it became clear that we”
“I am a past client of this provider She bathed and washed her up. She took”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps me because I can't be there”
“I am a current client of this provider They work really hard for me because my”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver only comes in once a week,”
“I am a past client of this provider They could have put their rates down a”
“I am a current client of this provider They help by readjusting the schedule if needed. I”
“I am a current client of this provider The interaction has been helping her the most. I”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me more than they help my”
“I am a current client of this provider They look for things to do when everything”
“I am a past client of this provider The therapist was very positive and encouraging to”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made my life a lot easier.”
“I am a current client of this provider The care is helping, and the client is”
“This place is great! I highly recommend for family care and employment”
“I have worked for Always Best care for over 7 years! I have always been happy with the professionalism provided by Management & staff! The flexibility and compassion has been exceptional, consistent and friendly. The manager really works hard to match the caregiver’s skills to the client! If you are someone wanting to be a compassionate & a quality caregiver, Always Best Care- Vacaville is a great place to work!”
“Great company! They care about their clients & their caregivers better than I've seen any other companies. The staff is amazing!”
“I am a current client of this provider They take me to appointments and shopping. I like the quality of the caregivers.”
“I first had contact with Always Best Care in October of 2023, needing help for my dear friend who needed a Board & Care after a hospital stay. I had the pleasure of working with Stephanie DeMartile who did an outstanding job helping me through every decision and stayed so organized. She was always calm and informative and many times went out of her way for me. She really is an asset to Always care. She found the perfect place for my friend, she was very well taken care of, which was a huge comfort to me. Even after she was at the Board & Care Stephanie stayed in touch with me & even visited my friend while she was there. Sadly my dear friend passed away, and again Stephanie was there to help me through it. I’d gladly work with Stephanie & Always Best Care anytime. Patti D.”
“I did not know a service like this even existed! Taking care of a parent with dementia is extremely difficult. My father has reached the point that he needs 24 hour care. Thankfully Stephanie stepped in and guided me through it all. I had so many questions, but yet didn’t know what to ask. I was lost. She took me to a few Board and Cares, explained all the differences between all the options out there. Stephanie even stepped in at the hospital, (with my permission ), to be sure my Dad wasn’t released too soon and all appropriate paperwork was completed. Stephanie is worth her wait in gold!!”
“Stephanie DeMartile has been an absolute pleasure to work with! She's very kind, knowledgeable and patient. Her experience makes for a smooth process. If you're thinking of choosing Always Best Care, let this be your sign to move forward! Highly recommend.”
“Our sister was under the care of Stephanie DeMartile and her team and received superb service. We couldn’t have asked for better care during her last days. We would highly recommend ABC to anyone seeking professional and loving care for themselves or their loved ones. We had our sister in several other facilities and she received very poor care until we got her home. The home care was wonderful! When it came time for her to enter the hospice part of the program, we were amazed at how loving and caring Stephanie’s team treated her. She was allowed to die pain free and with dignity. We were sad but grateful she had such great care and support in her end days.”
“Always Best Care is such an amazing company. Helping meet our seniors needs and guiding families through this exhausting process of needing care, finding care at home and then even helping finding long term solutions once things escalate past home needs! Stephanie DeMartile is very responsive, knowledgeable & helpful. Thank goodness for her experience to guide us through this process. She is a jewel. I can honestly say she is the main reason I keep coming back to Always Best Care!”
“I am a past client of this provider The agency did all the leg work. Stephanie made all the phone calls, and the first one she showed us we chose. She took the initiative and took a huge burden off of me and my mother.”
“It was Christmas day when my In laws had fallen and both were in the hospital. There was alot on problems with their care and services available but the one thing the hospital did right was by giving us Always Best Care. Stephanie DeMartile let me know what the costs and options were available. She made all the calls to find a care home that was affordable clean and could accommodate a couple. . She took a huge weight off my shoulders. Her service was the best, other services just gave me places to call. Thank you!”
“I am a current client of this provider I have someone to walk with since I was in the hospital because I fell when walking. I like the fact that I have someone to walk with me. There are little things that would not happen without the caregiver. In the beginning, several people came out, and then it settled on two providers. I think they needed more consistency at the beginning.”
“After my Dad came to live with us rather suddenly it became clear that we would need some help in the home. I was very apprehensive about having "strangers" in my home while my husband and I went to work. Trusting anyone else to care for my Dad was a huge leap for me. Lori came and did the intake evaluation and I immediately felt comfortable with her. She met Dad and was so gracious and personable with him. We needed help right away and Always Best Care did their very best to fill our time slots quickly. This was where there were a few bumps but I would encourage anyone to be patient with the process. We got a great rhythm of care going for Dad and he would daily ask "who's coming today?" Jessica would pop bye and check on him. Always so attentive to REALLY knowing how he was doing. He loved their chats. Tenesha and Carolyn became like family in our home. My fears of in home care, trusting others with my home and Dad quickly faded away with the dedicated and genuine care giving he received. We are forever grateful.”
“I am a past client of this provider She bathed and washed her up. She took care of her hygiene. The home care provider Shelby was proficient and well-trained.”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps me because I can't be there for my mom every day, and it helps her with cleaning. I would recommend them because they are very organized and professional. They are flexible and compassionate.”
“I am a current client of this provider They work really hard for me because my life is very hectic and crazy. They are very professional, hardworking individuals.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver only comes in once a week, but she provides excellent care. She is like part of the family when she is here. They're dependable, reliable, and have excellent customer service and care. They've been outstanding in every aspect and they've never let me down.”
“I am a past client of this provider They could have put their rates down a little bit. I used them for 2 days, but it was too expensive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help by readjusting the schedule if needed. I would recommend them because they are helpful, and they know exactly what I need.”
“I am a current client of this provider The interaction has been helping her the most. I like that we can make a list of what we need and that is what we are provided.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me more than they help my husband, it gives me some relief. I'd recommend them because they always follow up, the follow-up in the office is good.”
“I am a current client of this provider They look for things to do when everything else is done. They do a good job of getting the caregivers here, and they are excellent caregivers.”
“I am a past client of this provider The therapist was very positive and encouraging to get me moving. I liked the nurses and physical therapists.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made my life a lot easier. I don't have to do everything for myself now. I would like to see them improve at getting a caregiver who will be able to physically take care of me. My caregiver is a little lady, and I am a bigger lady so I think it would be better if they matched me with a bigger caregiver.”
“I am a current client of this provider The care is helping, and the client is happy. It has let me get the rest I need and peace of mind. The training for the caregiver could be better, she was not as knowledgeable as they said she was.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kennedy Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local La Toque or visit Trancas Street Historic Bridge, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Napa, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Napa, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Napa, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
With new revenue available soon from Measure G, city officials said immediate steps have been taken to begin its implementation.Maggie Fusek, Patch StaffNAPA, CA —The city of Napa is set to begin collecting revenue April 1 from the 1-cent sales tax approved by voters last November.With new revenue becoming available soon from Measure G, city officials...
Maggie Fusek, Patch Staff
NAPA, CA —The city of Napa is set to begin collecting revenue April 1 from the 1-cent sales tax approved by voters last November.
With new revenue becoming available soon from Measure G, city officials said immediate steps have been taken to begin its implementation— including approving significant mid-year budget adjustments at the March 18 City Council meeting. Additionally, the city began accepting applications for the Measure G Citizens Oversight Committee March 20..
The City Council’s mid-year budget adjustments allocate approximately $5 million of Measure G’s first-quarter collections toward key projects aligned with the priorities expressed by Napa residents, including:
These initial investments reflect the city’s commitment to fulfilling the promises made to voters and addressing the critical infrastructure needs, city officials said.
Looking ahead, the city plans to enter preliminary negotiations with the Napa Valley Unified School District to purchase the Harvest Middle School property. The school, which remains intact, features a swimming pool, athletic facility and a gymnasium — offering a unique opportunity to fill gaps in Napa’s park and recreation system. This acquisition, likely supported by Measure G funding, could also help address multiple city priorities, including expanding affordable housing options and public spaces.
Once formed, the five-member oversight committee will play an essential role in reviewing expenditures and ensuring funds are allocated to initiatives that reflect the needs and priorities of Napa residents.
"Public oversight is essential to maintaining trust in how these funds are utilized," said City Manager Steve Potter. "The Oversight Committee will provide an extra layer of accountability, ensuring that every dollar of Measure G funding is spent wisely, in alignment with community priorities and contributes to building a stronger Napa for all of our residents."
The committee will include five community members, with two positions requiring specific qualifications:
Committee members will be appointed by the City Council and serve two-year terms. In addition to providing an annual audit and report of Measure G revenues and expenditures, the committee will review projects, initiatives and city operations funded by Measure G.
Interested residents can apply online at CityOfNapa.org/MeasureG. Applications will be accepted through April 11.
See the city's Measure G webpage.
When Christy Coors Ficeli purchased Napa Valley’s Goosecross Cellars in 2013, tastings were only $20. That fee has since risen to $50, and Goosecross isn’t an anomaly: U.S. wine tasting fees have jumped by nearly 350% since 2012, according to a ...
When Christy Coors Ficeli purchased Napa Valley’s Goosecross Cellars in 2013, tastings were only $20. That fee has since risen to $50, and Goosecross isn’t an anomaly: U.S. wine tasting fees have jumped by nearly 350% since 2012, according to a trusted industry report.
“Tastings 10 years ago were basically free and you got a glass to take home with (the winery’s) name etched on it,” recalled Coors Ficeli. “For a while, we’ve had this blessing of visitors stumbling upon Napa in droves, but now, everything is slowing down because prices have gotten so high.”
Tasting room traffic across Wine Country has been down since 2022, so last year, the Yountville winery introduced dynamic pricing. From Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. — when the winery is typically the slowest — Goosecross’ standard tasting experience, including five wines and a tour, is discounted to $30. Since introducing dynamic pricing, Coors Ficeli said wine club sales are up; she suspects because guests “love feeling like they’re not getting ripped off.” Goosecross also had slightly more visitors in 2024 than in 2023.
“We were positive in visitors,” she continued. “Not a lot of (wineries) can say that.”
Yet, Goosecross isn’t the only new bargain in Wine Country. Tasting rooms seem desperate to lure in visitors, especially during the shoulder season, and fees are starting to dip. A report released last month from Silicon Valley Bank, the go-to bank for the California wine industry, stated that seven out of nine wine regions saw a small drop in tasting fees in 2023.
In January, the Napa Valley Vintners opened its “Napa Neighbors” program to all California residents, who could take advantage of discounts and deals, like two-for-one tastings. The Yountville Chamber of Commerce started a marketing initiative with 12 tasting rooms; if you’re a member of one, you can book two complimentary tastings at any of the others. In Sonoma Valley — a wine region that surrounds the city of Sonoma and includes the tiny, unincorporated communities of Glen Ellen and Kenwood — dozens of wineries will offer $15 tastings from Feb. 15 to March 15.
“When you look at it, $15 is like two premium Starbucks drinks,” said Tim Zahner, executive director of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, which partnered with the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers to create the Sonoma Sips promotion. When Sonoma Sips was first announced in January, 16 wineries had signed up, but participation has since more than doubled. Each winery has a different $15 offering, but most are micro tastings of two to three wines instead of the customary four to six. Many don’t require an appointment.
“Tastings were a way to introduce someone to the product, but for some tasting rooms, it also became a way to make money,” Zahner continued. In 2012, the average winery tasting fee in the country was $8.50, according to the 2024 report from Silicon Valley Bank. By 2023, it had increased to $38. And in Napa Valley and Sonoma County, it was higher: $75 and $43, respectively.
Sonoma Sips “goes back to the classic — getting a couple of sips and seeing if you want more,” Zahner said.
One Napa winemaker was inspired to return to the golden era of free tastings. At downtown Napa’s Gamling & McDuck, people who book ahead can taste three wines at no cost. Founder Adam McClary offered free tastings as an experiment a few years ago, and in 2024, he made it a permanent offering alongside more robust tastings for $35 and $70.
McClary finds the idea of free tastings “romantic,” but admitted that “butts in seats” was the primary motivation. Almost everyone who books the free offering ends up upgrading their tasting or buying bottles. “We have a lot of confidence that if someone comes in and tries three wines, they’re going to stick around for six,” McClary continued, “and it happens.”
These micro tastings could also bring back another Wine Country pastime: visiting three or four spots in one day. Since most wineries have switched over to more formal, seated experiences that average about 90 minutes, it can be difficult to fit in more than a couple of tastings. “A seated tasting is a wonderful way to learn about wine, but it’s also a pretty big investment of your time,” said Zahner.
Kashy Khaledi, founder of Napa’s trendy Ashes & Diamonds Winery, had a similar idea when he launched the A&D Teaser ($45), a flight of three wines available at the beginning and end of each day. The winery’s standard tasting, a flight of four wines, is $60. “It’s attracting a younger demographic that’s curious,” he said; it’s also a demographic that the wine industry is struggling to recruit. “It allows them to dip their toes and learn briefly about the wines, and then maybe visit a few other wineries.”
At Rutherford’s Honig Vineyard & Winery, visitors can have the Fly by Flight tasting — three wines, 30 minutes, $30 — at any time. “What I’m seeing is people don’t want to be talked at and they don’t want to sit for 90 minutes,” said owner Michael Honig. “Wine’s not perceived as fun. It’s too stuffy, and that’s the problem with Napa. We’re not making it attainable.”
Reach Jess Lander: jess.lander@sfchronicle.com
Feb 16, 2025
Wine reporter
Napa, CA (March 27, 2025) – A pedestrian sustained injuries early Wednesday morning after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident on State Route 12 near the 21471 block of Broadway, according to the California Highway Patrol.The collision occurred around 7:02 a.m. on March 26. The reporting party indicated the crash happened directly in front of the address on Broadway, a segment of SR-12. Emergency services were immediately dispatched, and the injured pedestrian was transported to Sonoma Valley Hospital for m...
Napa, CA (March 27, 2025) – A pedestrian sustained injuries early Wednesday morning after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident on State Route 12 near the 21471 block of Broadway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred around 7:02 a.m. on March 26. The reporting party indicated the crash happened directly in front of the address on Broadway, a segment of SR-12. Emergency services were immediately dispatched, and the injured pedestrian was transported to Sonoma Valley Hospital for medical treatment.
CHP logs state that the victim was unable to identify the vehicle that struck them. As of now, the driver involved remains unidentified, and the incident is being investigated as a felony hit-and-run.
Authorities continue to review evidence and speak with potential witnesses in hopes of locating the suspect vehicle. No additional information has been released about the severity of the victim’s injuries.
Our thoughts are with the injured pedestrian, and we hope for a swift and full recovery.
The hit-and-run pedestrian crash on SR-12 near Broadway in Napa County reflects a troubling and all-too-frequent danger on California roadways. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to injury or death in these incidents, and when the driver flees the scene, it adds an additional layer of trauma and injustice for the victim.
This crash occurred during early morning hours, a time when visibility may be limited and traffic patterns begin to intensify. SR-12 is a heavily traveled route through the Napa region, and while certain areas feature pedestrian accommodations, many sections—particularly those near rural or semi-urban stretches like Broadway—lack crosswalks or lighting.
Hit-and-run drivers face serious legal consequences in California, but for victims, the emotional and physical toll often comes first. When the responsible party flees, recovery can be even more difficult due to insurance complications, delayed investigations, and unanswered questions. That’s why swift medical response, thorough scene investigation, and community cooperation are vital in these cases.
Pedestrians struck by vehicles may face long-term injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or soft tissue damage—conditions that require extended recovery, therapy, and support. In such cases, it’s essential to access both medical and legal resources promptly.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash, Local Accident Reports can help you take the next steps. From connecting you with medical providers to helping you understand your options, we’re here to make sure you have the support you need. Contact Local Accident Reports today and let us help you move forward with clarity and care.
About a year ago, one prominent Napa vintner told me, “A lot of brands are dead, but they don’t even know it right now.”At that point, last spring, it was becoming clear that the American wine industry was facing a major reckoning. It just wasn’t clear how intense that reckoning would become.One of the clearest ways to understand this moment for Ame...
About a year ago, one prominent Napa vintner told me, “A lot of brands are dead, but they don’t even know it right now.”
At that point, last spring, it was becoming clear that the American wine industry was facing a major reckoning. It just wasn’t clear how intense that reckoning would become.
One of the clearest ways to understand this moment for American wine is in looking at winery closures: For the first time in a generation, the number of U.S. wineries declined in 2024. The West Coast’s winery count dropped by 4.3%, according to Wine Business Analytics.
In the Bay Area, we began to see notable wineries announcing closures in the middle of last year (Edmunds St. John, Carlisle, Brendel, Tarpon, Sbragia). The first three months of 2025 have delivered even more fallen soldiers, notably Napa’s Newton Vineyards. A slate of others — Brian Arden, Arista — have sold off their facilities while hoping to keep the brands alive in a different form.
“It’s going to be a slow decline,” said Dale Stratton, managing director at Napa consulting firm Azur Associates. “The 20-year run that we had as a wine category was phenomenal. As all of that consumption growth was happening, infrastructure was growing along with it to support it. As we see consumption moderate, we’re going to see some of that infrastructure” — vineyards, production facilities, tasting rooms — “go away too.”
In other words, there are too many wineries in the U.S. for the amount of wine that Americans currently want to drink. And just as vineyards across California are now being ripped out in an attempt to achieve market equilibrium, many wine producers will need to shut their doors too.
Some distressed wineries won’t close; they’ll sell. There’s been plenty of merger-and-acquisition activity in the wine industry in the past year, though Azur estimates that the total value of it, at $2.6 billion, was down in 2024 from the previous year’s $3 billion. Some of that was skewed, Stratton said, by the extremely discounted assets of Vintage Wine Estates, a major conglomerate that filed for bankruptcy in the summer.
Stratton expects to see a flurry of acquisitions in the coming year. He addressed the widely circulating rumor that Constellation, the country’s fifth-largest wine company, is trying to sell off all of its wine brands, which include Robert Mondavi, the Prisoner, Woodbridge and Domaine Curry, as reported by leading wine trade publication Wine Business. If true, Stratton said, it wouldn’t surprise him: “When you look at financial results, their beer business seems to be in a much stronger position,” he said. (Constellation sells Modelo and Corona.) “There have been analysts suggesting that maybe the wine business isn’t a great place for Constellation.”
Beer now represents nearly 82% of Constellation’s sales, according to the company’s annual earnings report, compared with wine’s 15.6%, a divide that has widened: Beer sales grew by 3% year-over-year in the third quarter of last year, while wine dropped by 14%. Strong as the beer business may have looked, however, Constellation was just dealt a blow by President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement. All of its beer that is produced in Mexico will now be subject to a 25% tax.
There is historical precedent for a diversified beverage company exiting the wine business. Coca-Cola and Nestle both invested in wine in the 1970s when they acquired wineries including Napa’s Sterling and Beringer, respectively. Both got out of wine in the following decades. Diageo, once a formidable wine corporation, sold off all of its wine brands in 2016 to focus on spirits.
How much worse can it get? “I would say that we seem to have leveled out in negative territory,” said Stratton. “As long as conditions stay where they are, we’ll continue to see activity in the M&A market and, more than likely, some people just shuttering facilities.”
You’re reading the Drinking with Esther newsletter. Reach Esther Mobley: emobley@sfchronicle.com
March 6, 2025
Patch loves photos! Share your photos with your local Patch, and your work could be featured.Maggie Fusek, Patch StaffNAPA, CA — It snowed Friday in Napa County, as shown in this photo from the California Highway Patrol.It was a bit of a winter wonderland Friday on Highway 29 at Robert Louis Stevenson Park on Mount Saint Helena, the CHP said on social...
Maggie Fusek, Patch Staff
NAPA, CA — It snowed Friday in Napa County, as shown in this photo from the California Highway Patrol.
It was a bit of a winter wonderland Friday on Highway 29 at Robert Louis Stevenson Park on Mount Saint Helena, the CHP said on social media.
"@chp_truckee and @chpsouthlaketahoe aren’t the only ones to enjoy the beauty of snow," CHP Napa wrote. "If you’re driving on Mt. St. Helena, please slow down and use the turnouts if needed."
Have you got the next incredible photo? If you have an awesome photo of nature, breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny or something unusual you happen to see, we'd love to feature it on Patch. We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty of the North Bay and show off your unique talents.
So, bring 'em on. No selfies. Not here.
Send your photos to maggie.fusek@patch.com. Please include the following information: 1) photographer's first and last name; 2 ) time and day of photo/s; 3) location of photo/s; 4) what you love/don't love about the photo/s. Hope to see your work soon!
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