We often get asked, “When is the best time of year to visit Napa Valley?” No matter the season, Napa Valley offers something truly special all year round. Napa’s magic unfolds throughout the year with each season offering something truly special and unique. For this reason, it’s really a personal preference of when is the best time to visit Napa.
Whether you are visiting Napa Valley in the Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, book through us at Windsor Wine Tours and we can help custom tailor an unforgettable experience for you in Napa Valley whether you are visiting Calistoga, St. Helena, Napa, Oakville, or Yountville. If you are considering attending wine events or festivals during your wine country vacation, visit our Best Napa Valley Events in 2024 page.
Winter
Many people would argue that visiting Napa Valley in the winter is the best time to year to visit Napa for many reasons. You can snuggle up near the fireplace with a glass of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon or relax in one of the hot springs in Calistoga. It’s also a great way to start off the new year in wine country!
In addition, there will be less crowds, so you can enjoy intimate tastings and soak in the charm of Napa Valley. Many hotels, wineries, and wine tour companies have winter deals. Therefore, your vacation in wine country will also be more affordable and make room to add more bucket list experiences to your itinerary.
Lastly, the winter brings several events such as Napa Valley Restaurant Week where you can enjoy many amazing food and wine options! You can also choose to experience the Winter in the Wineries Passport and discover many of the best Napa Valley wineries. The Napa Truffle Festival is another favorite this time of year. The Napa Lighted Art Festival which brings illuminated sculptures to downtown Napa each winter. This is a special site to see if you are in Napa in the winter! In the winter season, is also when you can witness mustard season in the vineyards!
Spring
Spring is an excellent time to visit wine country as well. This is the time of year when everything is turning green. It’s a perfect time to spend the day wine tasting outdoors and take in the beautiful lush vineyard views.
Since there will be more people visiting than in the winter, it’s important to book wine tastings as well in advance. You can do so by going to Explore Tock or by going directly to the winery’s website. With so many wineries being by appointment only and booking up quickly, it’s important to plan ahead. It is also important to book wine tour transportation in advance as well to safely get around wine country with someone that is licensed and insured.
This time of year the flowers are blooming. Bud break also happens in spring and is incredible to witness. Spring brings exclusive barrel tastings so you get a sneak peak at future vintages.
Spring brings more intimate tastings, farm-to-table bounty, Michelin-starred feasts, and the peaceful charm of Napa Valley. It’s also a beautiful time of year to take a hot air balloon ride overlooking the vineyards.
Summer
Others would argue that summer is the best time of year to visit Napa Valley. This time of year basks in sunshine, and it is such a beautiful time of year to visit Napa Valley. You can experience poolside sips, enjoy a spa day, and enjoy the vibrant sunsets. You can also enjoy vineyard strolls amongst the vines and take in the amazing views of the vineyards. It’s a great time of year to book a Napa Valley wine tour because the vineyards views are truly breathtaking. This is a great time of year to enjoy outdoor activities such as going on hikes overlooking the vineyards. There are plenty of other outdoor activities such as going on a bike ride, going kayaking in the Napa River, and swimming in the refreshing pools.
Summer brings many open air-concerts like Bottle Rock that people come from around the world to attend. It’s also a fun time to go shopping, take a hot air balloon ride, or go horseback riding through the vineyards.
Fall
Harvest happens during the fall and is such an exciting time to visit Napa Valley! During this time of year, you will be able to watch the picking of grapes at local vineyards and take tours of the crushing facilities in action. Visiting during this time of year allows you a glimpse into the winemaking process. You will also feel the vibrant energy that is in the air, enjoy grape stomps, the changing colors of the leaves, vibrant festivals, and farm-to-table feasts. This time of year brings harvest events and exclusive wine experiences. Many of our guests find that they love visiting during this time of year, and we couldn’t agree more that this is an excellent time to visit Napa Valley!
Fall brings crisp air and stunning vineyard views of the golden hues in Napa Valley. It’s a beautiful time of year to stroll through the vineyards and sip amazing Cabernet amidst Napa’s beautiful sunsets. It’s a perfect time to also go hiking or take a bike ride and enjoy the beauty of Napa Valley.
Once you have decided what season you would like to visit Napa Valley, visit Windsor Wine Tours! We will custom-tailor your wine tour in Napa Valley so you have an unforgettable trip with amazing memories that will last a lifetime! Check out our Calistoga Wine Tours, Yountville Wine Tours, Saint Helena Wine Tours, and our Napa Valley Wine Tours. Whether you are wanting to visit the Carneros region, Howell Mountian wineries, Spring Mountain wineries, Pritchard Hill wineries, or another area, we are here to help you have an amazing time in wine country!
