In most small wine towns, I’ve heard discounts can be available to locals. It’s not really a matter of who you know. It’s more a matter of saying you live down the street or in the county and someone giving you a little benefit. Although I’m living in these towns for a month at a time, I haven’t tried working the locals only discount yet.

Here, in Lake County, I’ve experienced quite the opposite. And I have to admit, this makes more sense. What does a small wine region need more than anything? More visitors! The Steele tasting room in Lake County offered me a 10% discount today and waived my tasting fee just because I was visiting this cool area. Their wines and prices are good so it sure makes it easier to buy a bottle here.