Napa Valley Harvest Season | August

Q: When do we harvest grapes in Napa Valley?

Harvest season in Napa Valley runs August – October . Also known as "crush" season usually starts in early August with wineries picking grapes for white and sparkling wine, and concluding with red wine grapes being picked last. Many wineries throughout Napa Valley celebrate this season with guests by hosting harvest parties and grape stomping events. Napa Valley harvest process & events

Each year from August through October, the Napa Valley comes alive with the excitement and rush of harvest.

Tending to the grapevines is a year-round process, but this is the time when the vineyards and the wineries bustle with workers racing to pick grapes at their peak ripeness.

The entire valley is filled with the wonderful smells of harvest and you'll find ideal warm autumn weather.

The Stages of Harvest

Grapes for sparkling wines are the usually first to be picked, often in early August, marking the start of "crush". And soon after, most of the white wines make their way from the vineyard to the crush pad.

Harvest continues through late October – sometimes early November – for red varieties, as they take a bit longer to reach full maturation. Harvesting of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the Napa Valley begins later than most other varieties and typically lasts the longest.

Late-harvest wines are made from grapes left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to get riper and produce more highly concentrated sugars. Harvesting of these grapes can last until December.

The conclusion of harvest leads into Cabernet Season, where the winemakers can finally take a moment to relax and appreciate the fruits of their labor.

2022 Napa Valley Harvest

2022 Don't Miss Harvest Parties

2022 Don't Miss Harvest Parties

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we aren’t talking about Christmas yet! In Napa Valley, we’re talking about harvest – and it is officially underway. As a matter of fact, the first grapes were picked on August 2nd making this harvest season...

Read Article

Want to learn more about this year's harvest?

Want to learn more about this year's harvest?

Get the play-by-play on the harvest from our friends at the Napa Valley Vintners

View Website

When do we harvest grapes in Napa Valley?

Harvest season in Napa Valley runs August – October. Also known as "crush" season usually starts in early August with wineries picking grapes for white and sparkling wine, and concluding with red wine grapes being picked last. Many wineries throughout Napa Valley celebrate this season with guests by hosting harvest parties and grape stomping events.

Napa Valley harvest process & events

How can I participate in Harvest in Napa Valley?

Harvest is the most exciting time year in Napa Valley, and there's plenty of ways to enjoy the season! Many wineries offer events throughout September and October, like grape stomps, harvest dinners, and parties. A couple wineries even offer hands-on experiences, where you can get your hands dirty.

Napa Valley Harvest Parties

Can I stomp grapes at Napa Valley wineries?

The tradition of stomping grapes is an ancient practice, and our wineries have replaced the tradition with machine processing. However, some wineries still have grape stomping events for visitors during harvest season. If you want to get your feet dirty, you can be a part of the crush.

Grape Stomping and Hands-on Harvest Events

When is peak season in Napa Valley?

Harvest season is peak season for visiting Napa Valley, during August through October. The valley is buzzing with the excitement of harvest, with winemakers and vineyard workers rushing to pick and crush grapes. It's also a time of celebration, with harvest parties, dinners, grape stomps, and hands-on events for visitors.

Learn about Napa Valley harvest season