In our many years as Napa Valley event coordinators, this is one of the most common questions that we get. People want to know the best season and month to visit wine country. The best answer is – it depends. There are many great times of year to visit Napa Valley depending on what you’re looking for.
When Should You Visit Napa?
Napa Valley is open to visitors all year round and there’s something great to explore and experience all twelve months of the year. That being said, the peak tourist season begins in May and continues through October. These months are typically the busiest and most expensive in Napa Valley, and weekends are the most crowded.
Best Price
If your goal is to get the best rate, you’ll need to visit between mid-November and mid-April. In the off season you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and get a great deal on your hotel stay and local activities. Many wineries offer library tastings during the winter and barrel tasting events during the spring. Visiting in the off season can open your group up to exclusive opportunities that people may miss out on during the busy tourist season. Also, wine makers should have more time to give personalized attention during your visit.
Wine Growing and Harvest Season
In addition to considering the costs for your Napa Valley trip, you may also want to consider the wine growing and harvest seasons. If you want to see grapes on the vine throughout the vineyards in Napa Valley, it’s best to visit between July and September. The summer months in Napa Valley can be crowded, but there are multiple outdoor concerts, wine festivals and craft fairs to enjoy.
The harvest is a fun time to be in the wine country. Peak harvest takes place between September and October. The weather is milder but the crowds are larger. Many wineries are short staffed in tasting rooms during this time and wine makers are usually too busy to spend time with you. However, if you are in the mood to get your feet dirty you can participate in annual grape stomping events. Although this technique is a Hollywood invention it can still be a lot of fun!
Weekend vs. Weekday
If you want to avoid the crowds during the busy season, you can plan your event for mid-week. There are a lot of “day trippers” that come in during the weekends, so visiting on Monday through Thursday should be less expensive and may help you avoid the large crowds.
As you can see, each season in Napa Valley offers something unique. There are plenty of great times to visit the wine country, depending on your budget, your goals and your interests.
Contact us today to get our insider perspective on the best time to come to Napa for your group or family.
Here’s to great wine and unique events!
Myrna