Stretching from mid-August through October, harvest season is one of the most beautiful times to visit Napa Valley. As harvest kicks off, there is an energy throughout the valley for visitors and locals alike as the promise of a new vintage becomes reality. As the season progresses, Napa Valley’s vineyards display a tapestry of vibrant fall colors. These insider tips will help you navigate harvest season in Napa Valley.
Weather Patterns
The Napa Valley’s Mediterranean weather is one of the reasons the region is such a perfect place to grow fine wine. Warm days allow grapes to ripen and cool nights help develop complex flavors that Napa Valley is known for. This weather pattern continues through September and into October. Very little rainfall on average means winemakers do not have the pressure to pick their grapes until they determine they are just right. It also means September and October tend to be a terrific time to visit Napa Valley. Expect days with crisp mornings, warm days, and cool evenings.
What to Wear this Season
Home to some of the finest wines in the world, Napa Valley is a rural agriculture community at heart where style is defined by the work at hand. There is an ease about dressing in Napa Valley that locals and visitors love. You’ll see locals mix a light dress with a denim jacket or jeans with sport coat. We call this blend of comfort and sophistication wine country casual. The best recommendation on what to wear is to be yourself but there are a few essentials most visitors are glad they packed.
Layer Up. With those warm days and cool evenings, dress in layers. Temperatures in our wineries, caves, and cellars can be quite cool as well, so bring that second layer with you even during the day.
Save the Heels for Evening. An experience at one of Napa Valley’s wineries can take many forms from rustic to elegant. If your winery visit includes a tour of the vineyards and the winery property, flat, comfortable shoes or boots are recommended and even smart tennis shoes are completely acceptable.
Top it Off. Being outside is one of the great joys of coming to Napa Valley. Top off your look with a hat and sunglasses and protect you from the autumn sun.
Skip the Cologne & Perfumes. One item you will want to leave at home is your favorite scent. Heavy perfumes can make it tough to smell the beautiful aromas of Napa Valley’s wines.
Note: some of Napa Valley’s finest restaurants have recommendations on attire. If your visit includes a reservation at one of our many Michelin-Starred restaurants, consult their website or simply call for advice.
Wine Country Casual Style
Forget an extra layer? Need a hat? Just want more wine country casual options? Yountville must-shop boutiques help capture that that Napa Valley effortless style.
Montecristi Panama Hats (6496 Washington Street, Yountville). Stocked with authentic Panama hats for both men and women, this family-owned business will help you find one that suits your style.
TINA Stephens (6505 Washington St Yountville) specializes in travel friendly clothing and is a great place to shop for that forgotten essential or to upgrade your wine country look.
Alchemy Works (6540 Washington St, Yountville) houses a curated selection of today’s chicest clothing brands and accessories. If you really want to nail that wine country casual style, make a stop at this boutique.
What You Need to Know About Harvest Season
For Napa Valley wineries, picking occurs primarily in the very early hours of the morning or even at night when the grapes are cool and then brought to the winery’s ‘crush pad’ for processing. When visiting a winery during harvest, be mindful of the work the team is doing and stay clear of equipment such as hoses, forklifts, and trucks that are coming and going.
Many of Napa Valley’s wineries offer a look at the harvest experience for visitors. Ask about ways to get into the harvest spirit at wineries throughout Napa Valley, such as Chandon, Grgich Hills Estate, Groth Vineyards & Winery, Bell Wine Cellars, and Raymond Vineyards.
Toward the end of October, you’ll start to see the vineyards turn from green to golden and orange hues – Napa Valley’s take on fall foliage! The vineyards are a great backdrop for your photos. But the vineyards are part of working farms, so visitors are kindly asked to stay out of the rows unless you’re with a winery host who says it is ok to do so. Consider booking a balloon flight to get another vantage point on this season’s autumn display.
Fun fact: As the season progresses, you may detect a distinctive aroma throughout the valley. That’s the result of the fermentation taking place at wineries from American Canyon to Calistoga. Yep, harvest season is literally in the air.
What Grows Together Goes Together
Fall is also a great time when it comes to the Northern California’s vegetable gardens. At Napa Valley’s restaurants and some winery experiences, you’ll see delicious heirloom variety tomatoes featured alongside the last of the season’s stone fruit, fall brassicas, lettuces, and grass-fed meats. Menus throughout the valley make best use of the bounty, so ask your server what’s in season and order accordingly.
When planning a trip to Napa Valley, consider harvest season for its ideal weather, fantastic scenery, delicious food and wines, and that energy that comes but once a year.