Experience the Excitement of Napa Valley's Harvest Season
Fall is the time of harvest & glorious weather
Grape harvest usually starts in August, and by September and October, the crush parties, harvest dinners and events are in full swing.
Make your reservations in advance if you're visiting during September and October – it's the busiest time of year, with harvest events and beautiful weather.
November is a more relaxed time after the harvest parties end, but this is when the colors of autumn are on full display. Experience fewer crowds at the most popular wineries and restaurants.
Fall Weather in Napa Valley
Fall weather in Napa Valley is spectacular. High temperatures are in the mid-80s in September and fall into the mid-60s by November.
In September and October, daytime temperatures are warm to hot, and they drop after the sun sets.
November sees cooler temperatures, and The Mediterranean climate means a winter rainy season, with rain possibly starting in November.
Insider Tip: Be sure to pack layers. Temperatures can vary greatly from morning to daytime to evening.
SEP
83°F
53°F
1 day
OCT
77°F
49°F
2 days
NOV
66°F
43°F
6 days
Fall Events
in Napa Valley
What's Happening in the Vineyards in Autumn?
Harvest typically starts each year in August, with the grapes for sparkling and white wines, like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, being picked first. Red varieties, like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, are harvested later, continuing through October or even early November, allowing them to fully mature. The grapes are typically picked overnight before the sun rises. The winemakers and vineyard workers work tirelessly to harvest and process the fruit to be transformed into the world-renowned wines of Napa Valley.
Things to Do in Fall
in Napa Valley
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Best Outdoor Wine Tastings in Napa Valley
Come for the wines, stay for the outdoors. Napa Valley is one of the most beautiful places in the world and nothing pairs better with our world-class wines than picture-perfect views. From rolling hills framed by majestic oaks to sweeping mountain…
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Best Places for Fall Foliage in Napa Valley
As the air becomes crisper and the sun a little lower in the sky, we welcome the changing of the seasons and the vivid hues that Autumn’s fall foliage brings. And what better place to witness this annual change than in Napa Valley –…
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Best Scenic Drives of Napa Valley
Do you really know Napa Valley if you haven’t explored the back roads of Napa County? Spring is such a beautiful time of year in the valley to slow down and cruise the path less traveled, so pack some snacks, grab a cooler, and hop in your car…
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Best Trails to Hike in Napa Valley
Use our trail finder to discover the best places for hiking in Napa Valley. With plenty of open space and most of the valley designated a protected agricultural preserve, there are so many hiking trails and awe-inspiring views to explore. Between…
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Best Wineries & Parks to Picnic in Napa Valley
There is nothing more quintessential to the Napa Valley experience than enjoying a picnic lunch at a scenic winery. With picture perfect weather nearly year-round, a plethora of gourmet foods – from artisanal cheese and snacks, freshly-baked…
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Halloween in Napa Valley 2023
It’s Great Pumpkin Season: Things to Do in Napa Valley for Halloween From pumpkin patches to pet-friendly costume parties and from fancy cocktail competitions to traditional trick or treat festivities, you can find it all here with several…
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Thanksgiving in Napa Valley 2023
Napa Valley is a hot spot for top notch cuisine that’s grown and sourced locally and Thanksgiving is the valley’s time to shine. Paired with the stunning fall scenery and world-class hospitality, it’s the perfect destination to…
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The Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley
The peaceful Napa Valley countryside is home to more than 400 wineries open to the public, each beautiful in their own way. Whether it's cozying up for a candlelit cave tasting or sipping from a private pavilion while taking in sweeping views of…
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The Most Photographed Places in Napa Valley
Napa Valley’s natural beauty coupled with grand wineries, immaculate accommodations, chic restaurants, and breathtaking hiking trails make the ultimate location for snapping epic selfies and gorgeous Instagrammable photos. Here are just some…
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Bike Tours
Try one of our fully guided bike tours or rent a bike and enjoy the stunning views of the valley at your own pace
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Hot Air Balloons
Hot air ballooning is one of the most adventurous and inspiring ways to appreciate Napa Valley's lush, rolling hills wine country, and the breathtaking countryside
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Live Music & Entertainment
Explore Napa Valley's vibrant music scene, with annual music festivals and outdoor concerts, theater, and entertainment venues.
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Wine Tours & Transportation
Sit back and let the professionals take care of the planning and the driving. Your options range from private tours in a town car, limo or party bus with your friends, to riding around in old classic convertibles and wine trolleys.
Napa Valley
Inspiration
What to Pack and Wear in Napa Valley
What to Pack and Wear in Napa Valley
So you've planned the ultimate Napa Valley vacation, now you need to figure out what to pack and how to prep for days filled with world-class wines, vineyard-view hikes, and farm-fresh cuisine. Here are a few travel tips and some ideas for what you should have in your suitcase, no matter the season.
Wine Tastings $50 and Under
Wine Tastings $50 and Under
Several Napa Valley wineries offer great wine tasting introductions for a relatively approachable price. We’ve pulled together a list of wineries, tasting rooms, and wine shops with tasting fees at $50 or under to help guide you on some affordable wine tasting options. While there are many reasons