NAPA FOR LESS

DREAMING of a hillside cottage and long dinners at The French Laundry?Get in line with the rest of us who can’t afford it.

That doesn’t mean a weekend in California’s Napa Valley is a no-go for non-millionaires:Far from it. Napa’s finest selling point, after all, is atmosphere, and if you play your cards right, you can easily soak up your fair share without breaking the bank. Here’s how.

1) PAUPER, BENOT PROUD

Free wine tastings are a thing of the past. These days, $15 is considered cheap. What to do? Coupons! Many hotel lobbies will stock them, and they’re good for deals such as a free glass of bubbly at Mumm Napa in Rutherford. That means just $12 for two flutes of Brut Prestige and one glass of Cuvee. A seat in the sun, a glass in your hand and good company is all you’ll need for a memorable few hours (8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford).

At Domaine Chandon, they’ll let you share a flight, so just say that’s what you want and order the six-glass Classic Collection, not bad at $30. Once again, the setting is superb. Just be careful – they’re famous for getting you to eat their tasteless, pricey food (1 California Dr., Yountville).

2) YOUHAVETOSTAYSMART

There really isn’t anywhere outside of the city of Napa (where you don’t want to stay if romance is the goal) that matches what’s on offer at Yountville’s popular Maison Fleurie.

Let’s just say it:No other affordable Valley hotel comes close to this 13-room inn, steps from Bouchon Bakery. It feels like home, if your home looks like a Laura Ashley catalog and has a sun-deck (perfect for early morning breakfast).

Oh, and don’t forget the pool and hot tub (open 24/7), free cooked breakfast in the morning, wine, cheese, vegetables, fruits and fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon.

Guests have free use of bicycles and receive a complimentary wine tasting for two at Hendricks Wines next door (from $130, 6529 Yount St., Yountville, maisonfleurienapa.com).

3) EAT CASUAL

Thomas Keller’s idea of reaching out to the masses was opening Ad Hoc, his new Yountville restaurant flaunting an affordable (as if!) $45 prix-fixe menu.

More reasonably priced lunches are found at the famous Oakville Grocery – a corner-store-style market packed with yummy gourmet finds like olives from Spain, artichokes from France, mustards made with local wine, what have you.

A sample lunch for two: crab cakes ($4.50), spicy, chilled gazpacho ($5), steak chimichanga ($7.50) and more for under $20. There’s no drinking on property (7856 St. Helena Highway, Oakville).

Mexican food is now a popular way to eat cheap in the Valley. One stop of note is the clean, bright Azteca Market -love those cheap chips and guac (789 Main St., St. Helena). Over in Rutherford, the dilapidated La Luna Market &Taqueria is a bit Queens, but the enormous super burrito for $5.99 is unmistakably California (1153 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford).

4) DOAPICNIC

There’s romantic outdoor dining to be had at all ends of the spectrum. For the affordable version, you just have to be a little creative.

Wine purists may sniff at the idea, but you’ve got to love the one-stop destination that is Via Sattui, a vineyard, deli and picnic ground where customers are encouraged to gorge, drink and sun themselves for as long as they want on the 2.5-acre, tree-lined property.

The only catch – you will have to buy your booze in-house. Luckily, there are bottles for as little as $10 (1111 White Lane, St. Helena).