Napa Valley is one of the world’s most renowned wine-growing districts. In addition to producing some extraordinary wines, Napa Valley is a stunning location with a pristine natural environment — which makes it the perfect holiday destination for anyone interested in wine or wanting to visit a picturesque location.
While the wines produced by Napa Valley winemakers taste delicious all year round, most people consider autumn to be the best time of year to visit the region. Here are a few of the reasons why.
1. Autumn Is The Region’s Harvest Season
Autumn is the busiest time of year for Napa Valley wineries as they will be harvesting and preparing their grapes for wine production. There will be a flurry of activity at wineries during this time, with all hands on deck.
When you visit a Napa Valley winery in autumn, you are likely to see its entire team in action. Many wineries will have production tours during the harvesting period, where you can see the grapes being harvested, destemmed, sorted, cleaned, crushed, and placed into fermenters.
Because the entire production team will be present, you may have a chance to talk with the head winemakers, production staff, tasters, and other employees. This makes the experience of visiting the Napa Valley even more exciting for wine lovers.
2. Exciting Seasonal Events
Autumn is also a busy time of year for event promoters, with several major Napa Valley events being held between September and December. These seasonal activities include wine competitions, balls, fun grape smashing events, and harvest dinners. Some of the most popular events held during autumn are:
- Blues, Brews & BBQ (August)
This popular festival is a celebration of Craft Beer, American Blues, and BBQ. Attendees get to enjoy delicious BBQ food while listening to some of the world’s best blues players. This year’s event will feature live music on three stages, dozens of BBQ restaurants, and over 40 micro-brewed craft beers.
- Calistoga Harvest Table (September)
The annual Calistoga Harvest Table is a celebration of food and wine which takes place in early September. Held in the picturesque town of Calistoga, this year’s event will involve more than 40 wineries and nine local restaurants. Over 1,000 feet of tables will be set up in the center of town for attendees who will enjoy some of the world’s best food and wine.
- St. Helena Harvest Festival (October)
This beloved food and art festival attracts thousands of visitors to the region each year. It features a wine lounge, a wide variety of food vendors, arts and crafts stalls, live music, and rides for the kids. There are also several events run in conjunction with the St. Helena Harvest Festival including a Pet PAWrade and fun run.
3. Many Napa Valley Wine Tours To Choose From
Although Napa Valley wine tours run year-round, autumn is often the best time of year to take a tour because it’s peak season, which means there are more tour operators to choose from and plenty of wineries to visit for tastings. Because it’s a busy season, you may need to book your private tours at least a few weeks ahead of time.
4. Autumn is a Beautiful Time in Napa Valley
There aren’t many locations in the United States that get to experience the same stunning color transformation that occurs in the Napa Valley during autumn. The foliage dramatically changes color, creating a vibrant landscape covered in yellow, orange, gold, brown, and green leaves. Contrasted against the blue sky and undulating landscape, it’s an incredible sight you don’t want to miss.
So what are you waiting for? Book your Napa Valley holiday this autumn and experience the wonder of this extraordinary location.
