Ah, Napa Valley in harvest season—it’s like the world’s most delightful conveyor belt from grape to glass! Between August and October, there’s something in the air as Napa transforms with the buzz of vineyard workers, the scent of fresh grapes, and, oh, those grapes? They’re on a one-way journey to becoming some fantastic wine.

But there’s more to Napa’s harvest than just winemaking. Want to dine with a winemaker? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted a behind-the-scenes peek at the winemaking process? Well, this is your season! From unique festivities to vibrant vineyard views, Napa Valley during harvest is an experience you won’t forget. Here’s your guide to visiting during harvest season.

Wine Tasting During Harvest Season

Before you lock in tasting reservations, do a quick check to see if the winery offers any special tours of their property, vineyards, or wine making facilities during harvest, because it’s always a treat to see winemakers and winery teams working their magic.

You can never go wrong with a picnic amidst the vines at Merryvale (it’s the quintessential Napa activity, right?), but if you happen to be traveling with a larger group, don’t miss Merrryvale’s Blending Experience. This special experience will find you and your friends crafting your own unique blend from four different barrel samples. The kicker? You get to bottle up your own one-of-a-kind blend and take it home with you.

Up for a stroll through vibrant gardens and picturesque vineyards? Then head to Burgess Cellars for their Through the Decades Experience. You’ll visit the winery’s pollinator gardens and vineyards before sitting down for a curated selection of Burgess’ library vintages, charcuterie, caviar, and cheese in their secret speakeasy. And for those of you with an eye for dramatic scenery, Somerston Estate is your stage. Opt for their estate tour and tasting, or plan ahead to attend one of their Private Estate Lunches or Dinners.

Of course, if you’d rather kick back and let someone else take the wheel, book a tour with Beau Wine Tours. They offer several Napa Valley wine tours to choose from, whether you’re a Napa newbie, a Howell Mountain wine fanatic, or simply fancy an afternoon exploring Spring Mountain’s gems.

One last thing before we move on: don’t overlook the curated WineCountry Experiences offered in Napa Valley. You can’t go wrong with any of them (they’ve been vetted by a picky crowd—ahem, we mean us), but we are seriously loving the Cabernet Pairing Experience at Sequoia Grove (a Cabernet and gourmet  delight), the Bread and Butter Experience at Handwritten Wines (never turn down an opportunity to try Bouchon bread), the Merlot Mastery Experience at Sullivan Rutherford (Right Bank fans, rejoice), and the Napa Past and Future: Library Wines and Barrel Tasting at Markham Vineyards (tasting library vintages in a 150-year-old wine cellar? Yes and yes).

Dining During Harvest Season

Napa Valley cuisine is like a treasure trove of culinary excellence, and believe us when we say that most restaurants in Napa have mastered the art of seasonal cooking.

As the name implies, FARM Restaurant + Bar at the serene Carneros Resort and Spa features an elevated menu emphasizing locally sourced produce, including from the restaurant’s own organic gardens. Every dish here is like a love letter to Napa Valley’s seasonal ingredients. Another fabulous spot is The Charter Oak, showcasing food by acclaimed chef, Christopher Kostow. Their dishes are usually composed of just a few ingredients and celebrate the bounty of the region, but don’t mistake simplicity for boring, as everything here is a feast for the senses. Speaking of a feast for the senses, we’re seriously loving the Italian-French-inspired fare and elegant atmosphere at Violetto, Alila Napa’s new dining destination.

If you’re looking to meet the newest culinary talent of Napa Valley’s Wine Country, we recommend grabbing a table at the Culinary Institute at Greystone’s Gatehouse Restaurant. As the capstone experience for aspiring chefs, guests can expect an innovative menu highlighting creative cooking. Or, venture to the CIA’s downtown Napa location, CIA at Copia, a treasure trove of food, wine, and culinary events.

A quick tip: There’s a lot of excitement during harvest, but there are also a lot of travelers, so that coveted table at that picture-perfect restaurant? It’s in high demand. We suggest making reservations in advance at your favorite Napa Valley restaurants to ensure you have a seat saved at the table.

Events During Harvest Season

Many wineries have special harvest events going on during the season. We’ve spotlighted a few of the season’s happenings below, but you can visit our Events Listing page to view more harvest events this time of year.

Get an inside look at exactly what it takes to make great wines at Groth Vineyards’ Fruit to Wine: The Magic of Harvest event. You’ll sift through the grapevines alongside Groth’s Director of Winegrowing, Ted Henry, determining when the best time to harvest will be and getting an inside look at every step of the winemaking process. End the experience by sampling the fresh squeezed juice and the more refined finished product, of course.

For a fully immersive harvest experience, check out the Behind the Cellar Door event at Cuvaison. You’ll start the day in the vineyard, learning about the fascinating world of grape harvesting techniques, before venturing to the crush pad to contribute to this year’s vintage. Of course, all that work should be rewarded, so it’s only natural that a fantastic dinner and wine pairings would close out the experience.

Always dreamt of dining among the vines? PEJU Winery is hosting their Winery Harvest Celebration this September, which pairs each course with library vintages, reserves, and current cellar selections. If you miss this event and still want to visit, book the Reserve Experience to dig into PEJU’s finest.

Of course, the harvest fun isn’t limited to just Napa Valley. If you’re heading to Sonoma County, check out our guide to Harvest in Sonoma, featuring tips on where to stay, what to do, and where to taste the best of the best.

Where to Stay

Oh, trust us, we know that a day of culinary adventures and wine escapades in Napa needs to end in absolute comfort. So, get ready to hit the sack in style, because the hospitality in Napa Valley is as top-notch as the Cabernets. Here are a few spots to consider:

Need more hotel inspiration? Be sure to check out all of our Lodging Perks for exclusive deals on hotel stays, from special discounts and spa credits to complimentary bottles of wine upon check-in.

Regardless of when you plan to visit, be it next weekend or next fall, Napa Valley is always a good idea. After all, there’s a reason why Napa remains one of the most popular destinations in California, and, believe it or not, wine is just a small part of the equation.

Happiness is not a state of mind, but a trip to Napa Valley.

From world-class wineries and breathtaking scenery to luxurious accommodations, acclaimed restaurants, rejuvenating spas, vibrant arts and culture, unique shopping, and more, Napa Valley truly has something for everyone. Plus, with its mild Mediterranean climate, this Northern California wine region boasts plenty of sunny days year-round, making it an ideal destination any time of year.

So when, exactly, is the best time of year to visit Napa Valley? It really depends on the type of experience you want to enjoy, as every season offers a different slice of Wine Country life. To help you plan the perfect getaway, regardless of the time of year, we’ve put together a seasonal guide to visiting Napa Valley.

Winter / “Low” Season

Winter, aka “low season,” may be considered the rainy season in Napa, but don’t let that deter you. The months of January, February, and March still offer much to love, thanks to plenty of clear, sunny days, daytime highs in the 50s, and fewer crowds than other times of year. It’s also a good time to take advantage of off-season hotel rates, which can often make an escape to Napa much easier on the budget. Of course, with evening temps dropping down into the 30s in some parts of Napa Valley, you’ll want to bring warm clothes, and preferably find a place to cozy up next to a fire.

Our Favorite Off-Season Activities in Napa Valley:

1. LIVING THE LUXE LIFE

   Indulge in a pampered stay at one of Napa Valley’s most luxurious hotels without paying peak season rates (yay!), then spend the money saved on an indulgent spa treatment or fancy dinner. What could be better?

2. WINE & FOOD PAIRINGS

   Discover the joys of pairing wine with food through an educational (and delicious) experience at a top winery. We’ve curated a list of our top 10 favorite pairings and the most unique wine pairings to help get you started.

3. VISITING TOP WINERIES WITHOUT THE CROWDS

   Visit Napa’s more popular wineries—such as PEJU Winery, Pine Ridge Vineyards, and Domaine Carneros—without worrying about summertime crowds. While most still require reservations, you’ll likely have your choice of appointment times.

Spring Season

After the winter rains, spring is a rejuvenating time of year in Napa Valley, when wildflowers adorn the vibrant green hillsides, vineyards start to awaken with the start of bud break, and the overall vibe is relaxed and cheerful as the days get longer. While you still may see some rain in the forecast, most of the time the temperatures are mild and inviting, making wine tasting outdoors a more appealing prospect. It’s also a great time to explore Napa’s outdoorsy side, biking or hiking around before the summertime heat descends upon the Valley. Average highs tend to range in the mid-to-high 60s and start to roll into the mid-70s by May, though evening lows are still pretty chilly, typically in the mid-to-high 40s.

Our Favorite Spring Activities in Napa Valley:

1. BIKING THE VALLEY

   There’s nothing like savoring the sights of Napa on two wheels with a guided bike tour with Getaway Adventures. Or, you could rent a bike to explore the region on your own.

2. VISITING SUSTAINABLE WINERIES

   Live out Earth Day all season long with a visit to some of Napa’s most sustainable wineries. We’d highly suggest following your tasting with a local and seasonal lunch in St. Helena.

3. REJUVENATING MUD TREATMENTS

   Experience the healing benefits of Calistoga’s mud with a treatment at one of Calistoga’s top spas before settling down for a delicious meal at a nearby top restaurant. Trust us, you’ll be glowing from the inside out.

Summer / “Peak Season”

With dry, sunny days and virtually no rain—there’s rarely a cloud in the sky from sunrise to sunset—it’s no wonder why people flock to Napa Valley during the summer months. Wineries and tasting rooms embrace the nice weather by offering outdoor tastings and vineyard tours, hotel pools can be found bustling with happy guests enjoying the California sunshine, and local farmers’ markets are bursting with summer produce. You’ll find average daytime temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s, depending on how far north you are in the valley, with lows ranging in the 50s at night.

Our Favorite Summer Activities in Napa Valley:

1. BOTTLEROCK

   We love kicking off the summer season with music and wine at BottleRock Napa Valley, inarguably one of the biggest festivals in Northern California each year.

2. POOLSIDE HANGS

   What could be better than lounging poolside whilst basking in the California sun? Lounging poolside just steps from your hotel room. Here are a few of our favorite hotel pools for inspiration.

3. HOT AIR BALLOONING

   Soar high above the valley with a hot air balloon ride via Napa Valley Aloft or Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. If you’re a balloon first-timer, here’s what to know before you go.

Fall Season

Fall is always a busy time of year in Wine Country, when the bustling harvest season brings an air of excitement to the Valley. During the months of August, September, and October, winery teams can be seen picking grapes in the vineyards for crush, and some wineries even offer special harvest tours so you can witness the winery production facilities buzzing with action. Even if you’re not here for the wine, it’s hard to deny the appeal of fall in Napa, when the region shines with vibrant autumnal colors of orange, red, gold, and yellow. Add in mild temperatures both day and night and it’s no wonder why harvest is a popular time for visitors (we recommend booking reservations well in advance). Average day highs linger in the high 70s to low 80s, dropping down into the 50s at night, with rarely much precipitation in sight.

Our Favorite Fall Activities in Napa Valley:

1. CABERNET TASTING

   Prepare for the cooler months by stocking up on Napa Valley’s premier wine: Cabernet. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite spots for tasting Cabs in Napa, or, if exclusivity is more your game, check out our top cult wineries in Napa.

2. TRIPS TO DOWNTOWN NAPA

   Downtown Napa has never been more happening, and we’re all about it. Book a stay at a chic hotel and then enjoy all the exciting tasting rooms and hip restaurants within walking distance.

3. WINE TASTING WITH A VIEW

   Napa Valley is chock full of wineries with surroundings as stunning as the wines served. When you’re ready to delight all your senses, consider any of these 10 most beautiful wineries.

Winter Holiday Season

Mid-November through early January is no doubt a magical time in Napa Valley, when festive winter events and holiday gatherings add to the joy of the season. Starting with Thanksgiving, many restaurants in the area offer special holiday dinners to take advantage of, while wineries host a range of specials on wine and holiday open-houses. Whole towns even go all out this time of year, showcasing bright twinkly lights and special events for kids of all ages. Daytime averages are usually in the high 50s to low 60s, with nighttime temps clocking in the 40s and high 30s. So, while you won’t be in for a “white Christmas” in Napa, rainy days can be more frequent, so don’t forget an umbrella or a rain jacket for those times when the weather forecast calls for rain instead of sun.

Our Favorite Holiday Activities in Napa Valley:

1. COOKING CLASSES AT CIA

   Prep for all that holiday entertaining by taking a hands-on cooking class at the CIA at Copia, located in downtown Napa. Afterwards, we recommend stopping into the CIA’s Marketplace to stock up on gifts for the foodies in your life.

2. HOPPING ABOARD THE WINE TRAIN

   During the holiday season, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers festive experiences for kids of all ages—the most popular being the Santa Train, which includes games, hot cocoa, cookies, live entertainment, and more. Adults will also love spending a festive New Year’s Eve aboard the train.

3. UNLOCKING NAPA’S ARTISTIC SIDE

   Take a break from holiday shopping with a stop into downtown Napa’s Acumen Wine Gallery—part art gallery, part tasting room. Or, venture to one of Napa’s wineries with stunning art collections, where the art truly is as impressive as the wine.

Harvest is like Christmas come early in Napa Valley. Starting in August or September, the sweet smell of fermentation permeates the air during Wine Country’s busiest and most exciting time of the year. You don’t want to miss out on the magic, so we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate harvest in 2023—which may or may not result in grape-stained fingers and plenty of amazing pours.

Just remember: events are selling out faster than your wine-o uncle downs a glass of wine at family gatherings… so book quickly, as many of these events won’t have availability for long.

Winery Parties

Celebrate the 2023 vintage with wine, food, and outright fun at one of these Napa Valley winery harvest parties.

Paraduxx Napa Valley’s Harvest Party & X2 Release

Date: September 16, 2023, 2 – 5 PM
Cost: $175 per person, $125 for wine club members

Celebrate Paraduxx winery’s 20th harvest by tasting their Red Blend X2, noshing on their signature fried chicken, besting your friends at lawn games, and partaking in some good old-fashioned grape stomping. If you want to take the experience up a notch, sign up for the VIP X2 Vertical Tasting which includes a special tasting with Winemaker Cardiff Scott-Robinson and private access to exclusive wines.

7257 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 945-0890

PEJU Harvest Celebration Luncheon

Date: September 17, 2023, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: $180 per person, $155 for Club Members

Dive into a symphony of flavors at PEJU Winery’s harvest luncheon! This experience begins with a sensational tasting of new releases and favorite library vintages, along with some rare gems from the Peju family’s own cellar. Afterwards, gather around the harvest table for an unforgettable seasonal lunch, each dish thoughtfully paired with PEJU wines.

8466 St. Helena Highway, Napa, CA 94573, (707) 963-3600

Merryvale’s Annual Harvest Party

Date: September 24, 2023, 3 – 5 PM
Cost: $95 per person, $55 per person for Club Members

This fun annual celebration will find you delighting in the tastes, sights, and sounds of harvest, from delectable sips of premium wines and barrel samples to the finger-licking flavors of BBQ fare. Engage in carnival-inspired games in between sips as you sway to the country rhythms of JourneyDay. It all adds up to one memorable day in Wine Country.

1000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-2225

Harvest Party at Inglenook Winery

Date: September 30, 2023, 7 – 10:30 PM
Cost: $350 per person, $300 per person for Heritage Society Members

Savor a delectable Italian-inspired meal (some of the Coppola family’s favorite dishes) under the stars at this historic Napa Valley chateau, where guests will be treated to an evening of dinner, dancing, and delicious wine. What more could you ask for?

1991 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 968-1100

Tamber Bey Vineyards’ Fall Harvest Party

Date: October 15, 2023, 12 – 5 PM
Cost: $150 per person, Complimentary for Equine Club Members

Tamber Bey’s biggest party of the year is a chance to revel in the harvest season. Celebrate the grapes being brought in and new release wines while savoring perfectly paired nibbles, live entertainment, and, of course, free-flowing wine. While the crew may or may not be taking a break to join the fun, the only heavy lifting required of you is bringing delicious food and wine up to your mouth.

1251 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-2011

Hands-On Harvest

You can’t properly celebrate the grape harvest without getting your hands a little (or a lot) dirty. Don’t worry, your hard work will be rewarded.

Trefethen Vineyards Hands-On Harvest

Date: September 16, 2023, 10 AM – 4 PM
Cost: $280 per person, $224 for wine club members

At their annual Hands-On Harvest, the historic Trefethen Vineyards will take you step-by-step through the harvest process. Start by picking grapes out in the vineyard before dining al fresco under the shade of an ancient walnut tree. Afterwards, follow the vintners back to the crush pad where the grapes you just picked will soon become juice. The day culminates with tasting the fruits of your labor, just much further along in the fermentation process.

1160 Oak Knoll Avenue, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 255-7700

Round Pond Estate’s Day in the Life

Date: September 10th, 2023, 11 AM – 2 PM
Cost: $375 per person, $325 for wine club members

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a winemaker? The Day in the Life experience at Round Pond Estate will give you an idea. Over the course of this three-hour experience, you’ll work closely with the winemaking team as they go about their daily harvest responsibilities, sampling wine in its different states—from fresh juice to the finished product—along the way. You will most definitely be covered in sticky grape juice by the end of it, but in return, you’ll enjoy a seasonally inspired lunch paired with Round Pond Estate wines, all prepared by the Estate Chef.

875 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 302-2575

More Harvest Events!

Love what you’re seeing? Then check out all the Harvest Events in Napa Valley and Sonoma County.