Like the rest of life, sometimes it’s not WHAT you know but WHO you know that counts.

Take finding “Free Tastings” in the Napa Valley for instance.

If you read the books and blogs about wine tasting in our world famous wine country you find that the common practice now is for the wineries to charge for tasting. This is a trend that’s been a long time coming, but as inevitable as the breakup after a summer romance.

You knew it was too hot to last, but you enjoyed it before the sunburn.

The wineries couldn’t just pour their premium offerings to endless lines of lushes forever. There are accountants to answer to, owners to save from certain bankruptcy. Not to mention the MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING.

So like saying goodbye to sultry summer love, the Napa Valley wineries did what all sensible lovers do: they kept at it, but quietly.

Wineries let their best customers know they would always be in their hearts by keeping them close: “join our wine club!” Almost without fail, wine club members do not pay tasting fees. Winemakers know familiarity breeds business. If you have found a wine you love, the winery will love you back: monthly or quarterly. And they will invite you to private parties, along with up to hundreds of their closest friends.

But if this is your first time to the Napa Valley you may not know where to turn. After all, there are over 400 wineries in the Napa Valley alone. Your friends might have suggested their favorites, but then they probably failed to mention “fees”.

Carol Beazley knows and TELLS.

Carol will find out what kinds of wines you like (Red/White-Fruity/Dry), and match you up like a viticultural yenta. And Carol has free tasting passes! Sometimes she will send you to places who never offer free tasting or discounts, except for HER guests. Other times she’ll load you up like a “mother dressed kid.”

She only has a few motherly words of advice: “Eat a good breakfast. Drink lots of water. Take TASTES! And take it easy!” Oh! And “say you’re from the Beazley House.”