Cooler temps, cozy nights in front of the fire, and world-famous cabernet- it’s Cabernet Season in Napa Valley- our favorite time of year (and the best time to visit)! Here’s why:

You’ll escape the crowds. A drive down the Silverado Trail feels like you’ve left the world behind. The tasting rooms have quieted down, exclusive restaurants have more reservations available, and you’re likely to have the hotel hot tub all to yourself. And that line at Bouchon Bakery? Not during Cabernet Season! It’s the perfect time for more personalized, intimate experiences that allow guests to truly experience the local culture.  

The scenery is second to none. Fall foliage fades and is almost instantly replaced with carpets of lemon yellow mustard flowers stretching between the vineyard rows. The hills come alive with vibrant greens, and the sunsets are nothing short of spectacular.

Friday Featured Vintner Tastings- The Napa Valley Welcome Center’s Featured Friday Vintner Tastings are only available during Cabernet Season. Every Friday guests can enjoy complimentary tastings while learning about featured wines in a one-on-one conversation with the winemakers themselves.

You’ll score epic deals. Speaking of complimentary tastings, from lodging to wine tasting, hot air balloon rides, and everything in between, there are deep discounts on iconic Napa Valley experiences during Cabernet Season. Pro-tip: maximize your savings even more by traveling during the middle of the week. Here are some of our favorite opportunities to splurge & save during Cabernet Season:

• The St. Helena Little Book of Big Experiences-  It’s your entrée to 20 high-end experiences, with a retail value of more than $1,500. The book costs $150 and is good for two people. Included are 20 wineries, restaurants, and hotels, including such favorites as the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Charles Krug Winery, and Harvest Inn.
• The Calistoga Winter in the Wineries Passport- For $60 per person, you’ll receive complimentary wine tastings at 17 participating wineries, complimentary corkage at participating restaurants and discounts at Calistoga lodging, spas, and shops. The Passport is valued at over $400 in wine tastings alone, and if you visit just two or three wineries, you’ll already have justified the cost of the book. Participating wineries include Castello di Amorosa, Chateau Montelena, Sterling Vineyards, and more.
• The Taste Downtown Napa Card – The discount card allows you to visit ten wine tasting rooms in downtown Napa for half the price it would normally cost. Cards are $15 each and may be purchased at the Napa Valley Welcome Center, located at 600 Main Street, at the Napa Tourist Information Center, 1331 First Street, or online.

Check out a robust round-up of Cabernet Season special offers, and start planning your Cab Season getaway.