Spring 2010
Steals and Deals
By Peter Crooks
Everyone loves a bargain, right? How about a website that touts the best deals on the high-end food, wine, and lifestyle items that make Napa Valley such a delicious destination?
Napa Valley Values has so much inside scoop that even longtime locals will be surprised by Yountville resident Sue Elliott’s tips. “Whenever possible, I try to include the backstory—tidbits of information that make you feel like an insider,” she says. “For example, the kitchen at La Toque also does the food for Bank Bar. And, it offers a three-course dinner for $29.
“I mention special deals, such as Spa Villagio’s two for Tuesdays, when you can get two treatments for the price of one,” Elliott says. “But, a lot of what I look for are great values, such as Mount Veeder Scully Ranch Cab for $35. It’s an unbelievable value: It drinks like an $85 to $95 bottle of wine.” Brix offers one of the best-value happy hours in Napa Valley, with everything half-price.
The website’s popularity has convinced some vendors to offer Elliott unique bargains. Recently, Yountville’s Lincoln Theater offered discounted ticket packages, and more deals are in the works.
As thrilled as she is with the response her site has received, Elliott can’t help but wonder if sometimes she reveals too much. “I walk the line between wanting to let people know about the great deals and wanting to keep them for myself,” she says.
Visit napavalleyvalues.com.
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