When Is the Best Time to Visit Napa Valley?

The peak times to visit Napa Valley are in the spring from March through May and again during harvest season, which runs from August through October. However, the “off-seasons” are also incredible. They even offer benefits over the peak seasons. Find out more about the best time to visit Napa and start making plans for your next trip!

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The Best Time to Visit Napa Valley

Did you know? Only 2 percent of the world boasts a Mediterranean climate which is so amenable to high-end grape production. The Napa Valley climate falls into that 2 percent! The climate we enjoy is just one of the many reasons why there are advantages to visiting in each season. 

Spring in Napa Valley

March through May, is a very special time in the vineyards. Bud break is a big deal around here and celebrated with Insta-worthy shots of vines coming to life. Brilliant yellow mustard blooms fill the vineyards with a pop of color, along with other wildflowers, and there are typically a number of fun festivals to attend. 

While COVID may have canceled or postponed many live events, a number of them have “gone virtual” and can still be enjoyed. Either way, be on the lookout for the Napa Valley Marathon, Yountville Live, Napa Valley Arts in April, and Bottlerock Music Festival. 

Summer in Napa Valley

With the valley now in full bloom, summer brings warmer temperatures and longer days, perfect for grape production. All the better for enjoying outdoor dining, wine tastings, and vineyard tours. Exciting events typically include Auction Napa Valley, Festival Napa Valley, and Napa Porchfest, a toe-tapping music festival in downtown Napa that Churchill Manor regularly takes part in. 

August marks the beginning of the grape harvest season. You can watch as skilled crews cut grapes from the vine and load them onto wagons headed for the winery. Or, you can get in on the summer fun yourself and attend a grape crushing event at one of the local vineyards. 

Fall in Napa Valley

The harvest and grape stomp events continue into the fall, and as the weather begins to cool off, the area is primed for those who wish to escape city life and enjoy a weekend in wine country. Hiking, biking, along with dining and wine tasting, are favorite fall activities. 

Fall festivals include Calistoga’s Harvest Table, the Napa Valley Film Festival, The holiday season begins to take shape with Christmas parades and Christmas lights that light up the night.

Winter aka Cabernet Season

Winter is a time for winegrowers to relax a little. Now that the busy harvest season is through, it’s time to focus on the much-anticipated release of new cabernets. That’s why they call the winter “Cabernet Season.” Winter is also the perfect time to drive around to get to know the various Napa Valley appellations. The vineyards and tasting rooms generally aren’t crowded this time of year, so you’ll likely catch vintners serving wine (cabernet!) themselves and chatting with guests. 

Napa Valley is a perfect destination for any winter holiday: Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, included. From historic B&Bs (like Churchill Manor) to Michelin-starred restaurants, to family-owned wineries who consider guests like family, our region is filled with special places for you to experience memorable moments, 

Stay at Churchill Manor Bed & Breakfast Year-Round

There are a number of Napa Valley hotels from which to choose. However, our bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown Napa provides an experience that will have you booking a trip next season! 

After exploring the wonderfully diverse Napa Valley appellations, relax at Churchill Manor, a lovely 19th-century mansion with elegant accommodations. As an homage to the wonderful wine regions, we named each one of our 10 luxurious rooms after a Napa Valley appellation. Stay in Stags Leap, Atlas Peak, or Howell Mountain, just to name two.