ABOUT LOCAL WALLY

I started writing Local Wally websites in 1994, back in the days when the internet was new and wine tasting was cheap. I started with a site on San Diego and was an instant hit, winning best website awards and was even interviewed on PBS for my unique take on travel guides. I approached it from a local’s perspective, helping visitors avoid the tourist traps and find the places and activities that locals love.

I was lucky enough to be raised in the SF Bay Area right when the wine industry began to pop. I wrote the first articles on Napa for TripAdvisor and wrote my second travel site, Napa Tourist Guide, where I collected every two for one and free tasting coupon (yes, actual coupons) and put them all on one page. This site became hugely popular and remains so today.

That site spawned Sonoma Tourist Guide and Paso Winery Guide and with both I kept the same concept of honest recommendations and free advice via email. I’m not an “influencer” who raves about a winery or restaurant just because they paid me to. If I say it’s good, it’s good!

I’ve also tried to keep true to my design training by giving my readers a good experience. That’s why I limit the number of ads, avoiding the current trend of flooding the mobile site with so many ads that you invariably click one as you try to get them off the screen. As for the Priority Wine Pass, I started working with them when the coupons dried up and they’ve been great in helping my visitors save money when wine tasting. Yes, I do get paid a bit when you buy a pass from my site which is why I offer free advice and trip planning to make sure in the end you feel that it was really worth it.

So thanks for dropping in and please tell all your friends about me. Post me on your social feeds, buy the pass from my site, help keep me in business, and email me if you have questions - I really appreciate all of my readers and the support you’ve given me over the past 30+ years of Local Wally.

Wally, 2026