What is the best time to visit Napa Valley? I get asked this question a lot. In fact, I hear it just as often as you want to know what wineries I would recommend to put on your to-try list…
Since I moved to the wine country over two years ago, I’ve seen it go through all of the seasons twice. I’ve been through lots of rain to draught and sunshine to that very worst nightmare of the California fires. Because I’ve seen a lot in a short amount of time, I thought putting together this post might be of use for all of you who wonder when is the best time to visit this beautiful region.
Now, the obvious reason to visit Napa Valley is obviously to come for the wine, but I imagine you might want to take other things into consideration as well. Do you care about the weather or would much rather come when there’s less tourists around? Maybe you wonder what time of year will give you the best bang for your buck? Or you just want to take beautiful photos? If you’re looking for answers to all of these questions, you came to the right place!
If you want to visit Napa Valley
when there’s less tourists…
Come in December – February. This time of year is considered to be slower in the valley, so you have a better chance of scoring good hotel deals and getting a last-minute reservation for a wine tasting anywhere you want. A lot of my friends who work in the wine industry also say that you are guaranteed a more personable experience in the winter, because of less tourists coming in and out of the valley.
Yes, the vineyards are dormant (bare) in the winter and there’s quite a bit of rain, but the valley is truly beautiful year round. An absolute must when visiting in January is definitely the Napa Valley Restaurant Week, where you can try some of the best culinary spots on the map for a fraction of the usual cost.
If you want to visit Napa Valley
for the best views…
January through March Napa Valley transforms into a yellow mustard dreamland! The views are so incredible and you can’t help but pull over to take photos right away! As you can imagine, this is when traffic starts to pick up a bit in the valley although it’s still considered to be slow season.
If you want to see the vineyards change into beautiful colors, I would recommend visiting in October – November. It’s definitely a fun time in the valley because you can still see harvest in action (usually happening in September through October), experience stomping grapes and a bunch of wine release parties. This is also the best time to enjoy the last of the beautiful California weather (temperatures during the day can still go up to 80-90 degrees).
If you want to visit Napa Valley
to do more than just taste wine…
Lucky for you, we have so many great events going on in the valley! Whether you’re interested in music, art or food, we have something for everyone!
January – Restaurant Week – the best way to check out Napa’s amazing culinary scene for a fraction of the cost.
March – Yountville Live – 4 days of music, Napa Valley cuisine and wine, beer + spirits
April – Arts in April – a whole month devoted to arts and cultural events across the Napa Valley.
May – BottleRock – our favorite big music festival! We go every year and absolutely love it! Read more about the festival here.
June – Napa Valley Jazz Getaway – enjoy four days of jazz!
July – PorchFest – a day filled with Napa local performances on porches + music and food.
July – Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series – live music each Saturday of July held at Mondavi Winery. Tickets sell fast!
August – Blues, Brews and BBQ – live blues in downtown Napa + you get to taste micro-brewed beers, and homemade BBQ.
October – Safeway Open – a PGA golf tournament + music, food and wine held at the Silverado Resort and Spa.
November – Live in the Vineyard – by invitation only music festival. A weekend filled with more intimate, exclusive live music performances at many wineries in Napa. A great way to mingle with your favorite musicians and taste some food + wine! See my 2018 recap here.
November – Napa Valley Film Festival – you get to see movie premieres (small Indies to bigger productions), live panels with actors and filmmakers + wine events and culinary presentations. Read all about my experience here.
Sound like fun, right? Our beloved wine country truly has so much to offer! If all this still didn’t convince you to visit Napa Valley, check out what some of my favorite wine bloggers and influencers had to say about their favorite season in the Valley.
read Watch Me Sip BLOG + follow Raquel on INSTAGRAM
Raquel of Watch Me Sip not only writes a blog but also works in the wine industry so she’s full of knowledge and tips for visiting Napa Valley!
follow Jaclyn on INSTAGRAM
Jaclyn is a former Miss Michigan, CBS Survivor runner-up, and currently she lives in Napa Valley where she attends the Culinary Institute of America as a Wine and Beverage Grad Student. In addition, she shares her infertility/ surrogacy journey on the blog, so follow her for all the real, honest and raw life talk as well.
read Bordeaux Blonde BLOG + follow Sara on INSTAGRAM
Sara works in the wine industry as well and she loves exploring Napa Valley one winery at the time. Check out her blog every Wednesday for the winery of the week feature.
follow her on INSTAGRAM
Samantha is a Certified Sommelier and loves to share recipes and wine tastings through all the hidden gem wine regions! Another way to find Samantha’s work is on AZ Channel 3, where she frequently talks about wine.
Have you ever been to the Northern California wine country?
What is your favorite time to visit Napa Valley?
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Fab post full of really useful advice – thanks!
Thank you for stopping by, Maria! :*
I’ve never visited, but if I do it sounds like I would love visiting in the fall!
Brooke
Pumps and Push-Ups
Ah yes! Like I said Napa is beautiful year round but fall is such an exciting time in the valley!
I want to come to Napa immediately! And you are so cute in this coat!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Well if you do come, let me know!!!!
Great guide dear! Thanks for sharing!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
That’s good to know! I actually didn’t even know they would be open in winter months! I suppose winters aren’t all so bad as here in Canada! Great info
Angela | http://www.lenorth.com
Napa Valley looks amazing and a perfect place to visit for wine lovers! Great tips dear.
Fatima | http://www.fatimateachernista.com
These are great tips – thank you for sharing!
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
https://www.avecamber.com
https://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber