What's New in Napa Valley 2023

Fall 2023

Discover what's new in Napa Valley, including new and upcoming experiences, shops, wine tasting opportunities, restaurants and dining, wellness options and lodging.

The fall means one big thing in Napa Valley – harvest! The grapes that have been carefully tended throughout summer are ready to be picked, pressed, and crushed. It’s a busy time in Napa Valley for all the vintners, and it’s an excellent time for visitors and residents alike to experience the rush of crush and all the excitement around harvest season.

Harvest Parties
Harvest Experiences
Outdoor Music
The Art of Napa Valley

Sip and Savor the Fruits of Harvest

It wouldn’t be Napa Valley harvest without a party, and this year is no exception.

Celebrate the 2023 vintage at Shadybrook Estate Winery, Inglenook, Charles Krug Winery, and Merryvale Vineyards, to name a few, at annual harvest parties.

HALL Wines will host Kathryn Hall’s Harvest Celebration, while V. Sattui Winery will be home to its annual Harvest Ball.

Clos Du Val puts a spin on the harvest celebration with its Harvest Farmers Market, while Pope Valley Winery dishes up a Spanish treat at the Paella Harvest Party.

Hands-On Harvest Experiences

If you’re not satisfied with simply sipping and really want to get in the mix, many wineries offer more hands-on experiences for the advanced oenophile.

V. Sattui Winery with its Crush Party invites guests to take part in the traditional grape stomp, while Behind the Cellar Door: A Harvest Experience at Cuvaison allows guests to become part of the cellar team for an afternoon.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars offers a Technical Tour with Head Winemaker Marcus Notaro & Harvest Lunch, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the tactical process of winemaking while Groth Vineyards & Winery hosts From Fruit to Wine: The Magic of Harvest where participants can gather grapes, tour the crush pad, and learn the crucial first steps of turning grapes into wine.

Mayacamas Vineyards hosts winemakers from Konsgaard, Colgin Cellars, Dunn Vineyards, Diamond Creek, Philip Togni, and Mayacamas to present the 2019 Cabernets from each winery, during a five course lunch at Cabernet from Napa Valley’s Mountainsides, East and West.

Outdoor Music

The Sounds of Summer give way to an Autumn of Ambiance. You might think the end of summer means the end of outdoor music in Napa Valley, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Silverado Resort is the setting for Sabor + Ritmo, the Latin music and culinary festival of Napa Valley. This one day event, held on the beautiful Silverado golf course grounds, promises to be a lively day of music, food, wine, and fun.

The Oxbow RiverStage plays host to Down in the Valley featuring musical talent, The Head and The Heart, and, later in the season, catch iconic rockers the Pixies as well as Modest Mouse.

Downtown Napa will host the annual Napa Blues, Brews, and BBQ festival, while Acumen Wine is back this September with the fun and raucous Dueling Piano nights.

The Blue Note Summer Sessions at The Meritage Resort and Spa extends into October with a variety of acts including 80s icon The Psychedelic Furs; comedian Nikki Glaser; Three Dog Night, and YES.

The Art of Napa Valley

Surrounded by beautiful scenery, it’s no surprise that Napa Valley is home to a long-established community of creatives.

Open Studios Napa Valley is an annual event taking place over two weekends every Autumn and features free, self-guided art discovery tours throughout Napa Valley. Participating galleries and artists also feature their works ahead of the event during Open Studio Previews at Jessel Gallery, so you can scout ahead of time. Discover your new favorite artists and take home some unique pieces you can only find in Napa Valley.

Enjoy the beauty of nature in the expansive sculpture garden di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art and take part in one of the guided tours such as Winery Lake Bird Walks. Led by Sara Curtis, di Rosa’s bird expert, attendees will enjoy a leisurely walk and get an introduction to birding.

On Saturdays from September through December, stroll through First Street Napa, the beautiful plaza in Downtown Napa, to catch Maker’s Market, an open air craft fair featuring the work of makers and artists from surrounding regions. Collect unique hand-crafted items, enjoy live music, get some delicious bites and beverages, and make new friends. Saturdays in Napa have never been more fun!

Interested in trying out your hand at creating? Several talented artists host fun and engaging art classes. Try Jessel Gallery or Nancy Willis Studio where you can participate in acrylic and watercolor painting workshops, attend a writer’s salon, or just appreciate the work of local artists.