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Napa Valley is a beautiful destination all year, but there’s an extra touch of magic when you visit during the fall. The soft, golden sunlight filtering through the amber and copper-leaved trees creates a mesmerizing sight. With the air a little cooler and fewer tourists around than in summer months, visiting Napa Valley in the fall is a unique experience that is quickly becoming the season of choice for many.
But it’s not just the scenic beauty that draws people here in the cooler months. The harvest season, which typically runs from August to October, is a major attraction. Napa Valley bursts into life during this time, offering a diverse range of exciting events and entertainment.
What to do in Napa in the fall
From lively crush parties to scenic drives and luxurious winery tours, there’s always something exciting to look forward to at this time of year.
Discover seasonal wine releases
During the harvest season, a range of wines make their debut. These include popular red wines like Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir, as well as white wine releases such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and a host of sparkling wine varieties.
Some wineries may also release special blends specifically to celebrate the harvest season or showcase what are known as library wines. These are specific quantities of wine that are stored after their initial release and are to be sold exclusively years after their debut.
Visit Napa Valley in the fall and discover new types of wines that only make a special appearance at this particular time of year.
Culinary experiences like no other
While the first thing you may think of when you think of Napa is the wine, it’s also a popular destination for foodies. Whether you’re looking for high-end, Michelin-starred cuisine or the best spicy fried chicken, there’s something for everyone. Napa Valley chefs pride themselves in farm-to-table cuisine utilizing the freshest seasonal produce and ingredients.
You’ll never go hungry in Napa Valley with markets like the Oxbow Public Market, and plenty of prestigious fine-dining restaurants, bakeries, and burger joints to try out.
Harvest celebrations in Napa Valley
If you want to get involved in the festivities, many wineries host a variety of harvest events from elegant black tie affairs to hands-on educational experiences. V. Sattui offers both between their annual Harvest Ball – a spectacular night of Michelin star dining, top-tier wines, and an unforgettable live musical tribute stage show and their Crush Party; Napa Valley’s biggest harvest “Open House” giving you behind-the-scenes access to a working winery where you’ll meet growers and winemakers, see barrel making in action, taste freshly crushed juice and even take part in an old-fashioned grape stomp!
Tour wineries in Napa
Take full advantage of the extensive range of wines, wineries and vineyards in Napa Valley during the fall. With hundreds of wineries to choose from, it can seem overwhelming to know where to go and what to see.
There are options to suit every budget, with several wineries offering great wine-tasting experiences for $50 and under.
Castello di Amorosa is a great option for first-time visitors to Napa Valley. Here, you can explore their wide range of wines while touring a beautiful medieval castle.
Some wineries, such as V. Sattui Winery, provide detailed tours of their premises and take you through the winemaking process, from harvesting the grapes to the final bottling stage. We allow guests to witness the crushing of the new grapes and the process of creating our outstanding wine selection.
Cultural fall events
Once you’ve had your fill of all the wonderful wine and food Napa Valley offers, why not get a taste of the arts, too?
One of the biggest events every fall is the Napa Valley Film Festival. Some of the best new films and filmmakers are featured with screenings and regular wine-tasting events over four days.
One of the busiest and most popular events taking place every fall is the Napa Blues, Brews & BBQ and for good reason. For one day, over 5,000 people visit downtown Napa for some of the most delicious barbecue and best live blues music around.
Take a trip to some of the best art galleries that Napa has to offer. Soak in the culture and creativity of di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, the Gordon Huether Studio & Gallery, or the Jessel Gallery to name a few.
Scenic fall drives and hikes through wine country
With mild weather in the fall, and average temperatures ranging between 45-70°F, it is an ideal time of year for hiking and exploring the gorgeous vineyards.
To truly appreciate the beautiful fall foliage up close, take a trip to Bothe-Napa State Park. Enjoy the breathtaking views, the towering California redwoods, and rolling hills. Feel the crunch of autumn leaves under you and bask in the kaleidoscope of colors produced by the soft fall sunlight. With 1,900 acres to discover, there are countless trails and hikes you can take.
If a hike isn’t for you, or you simply want to see more of the stunning Napa Valley backdrop, get in the car and get on the Silverado Trail on Highway 121. This road connects Carneros to Calistoga and is a 29-mile stretch of endless picturesque scenery.
Want a break from the car? Check out the Napa Valley Vine Trail. This route stretches 47 miles from Vallejo to Calistoga and is walking and biking-friendly, so you can explore all that wine country offers.
There are many different bicycle rentals and tours in the area, so there’s a transport option for everyone.
Get a bird’s-eye view of Napa Valley in the fall with a hot air balloon ride
No list of things to do in Napa Valley would be complete without mentioning the famous hot air balloon rides. See the rolling hills, vineyards, and vivid fall colors stretch out below you as you take a trip like no other.
Watch the sunrise as you float higher, and be prepared to be blown away by a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Find out more here and tick this off your bucket list.
Where to stay in Napa Valley
Generally, weekdays are quieter during fall in Napa Valley, and weekends are busier with wine enthusiasts looking to celebrate the harvest season.
As fall is becoming an increasingly popular time of year for visitors, booking accommodation and any wine tastings or other activities ahead of time can save a lot of stress.
Depending on your needs, there are various accommodation options available in Napa Valley and the neighboring areas.
Whether you’re looking for luxury boutique inns or some of the best hotels around, you can plan your Napa trip exactly how you want.
Chateau de Vie is ideal for a quiet retreat where you’ll be surrounded by their formal gardens of lavender, roses and evergreens.
Silverado Resort offers a ‘Fall’s Napa Crush’ deal, which includes up to 25% off its best available rate, among many other packages.
Get planning your perfect fall trip
Napa Valley is a must-visit destination all year round, but especially in fall. The beauty of the autumn colors is unmatched. Cooler temperatures and the buzz of activity for harvest season make it a unique time of year that’s not to be missed.
It’s the perfect spot for wine enthusiasts, foodies, or those looking to savor the fall scenery.
Ready to get planning? Make sure to add a V. Sattui Winery fall wine tour to your schedule!