There’s much to do and see in Napa Valley Wine Country, especially if it’s your first visit. Napa Valley Wine Country is beautiful year-round. However, the most interesting time to visit the area is during the Harvest Season, or “Crush” (when the grapes are picked) – late Summer into Fall (August-October). Note: The Harvest Season can vary. Located approximately one hour north of San Francisco, the world-renowned wine and tourist destination is visited by millions of people every year. Expect crowds during the busy summer vacation months and harvest season.
Yountville, Napa Valley
Yountville is one of our favorite places to stay when visiting Napa Valley. Its quaint inns, hotels, and restaurants are all within easy walking distance, so you don’t need to drive anywhere . Enjoy a great bottle of wine with dinner and leave your car at your hotel. Yountville is also the epicenter of fine dining in Napa Valley. It’s home to so many incredible restaurants.
The French Laundry
The French Laundry is one of the most famous restaurants in the country, if not in the world! It’s very expensive and hard to get a reservation, but dining at the French Laundry is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We dined there years ago when we were still dating and it was one of the best dining experiences ever. We went back again in June with our cousins from NY who were visiting Napa Valley for a special birthday celebration. It was just as exceptional as our first visit there. Julia Child once said that dining at the French Laundry was the best service she ever received!
Wine-Tasting along Hwy 29
Napa Valley has hundreds of great wineries. Enjoy a leisurely drive along scenic Hwy 29 and visit smaller boutique wineries dotted along the route. Follow the road from Yountville to Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Calistoga and beyond. Be prepared for traffic, especially on weekends and during peak season. Wineries and luxurious resorts can also be found along the Silverado Trail that runs parallel to Hwy 29. We recommend that you call in advance of your Napa Valley trip to make your Winery Tours and Wine-Tasting reservations. Tours can sell out fast, especially during the busy peak season.
Spa Treatments
All that eating and wine-tasting can take its toll, so take a break during your next visit to Napa Valley Wine Country and indulge in a relaxing Massage and/or a luxurious Spa Treatment. What better way to get rejuvenated! Top resorts offer a variety of spa treatments, so be sure to book in advance if you are planning a visit in peak season.
Napa Valley Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Many Napa Valley Wineries and Tasting Rooms close by 5pm, however starting this Summer, a few of them will stay open later in the evening, including Silverado Vineyards, Robert Mondavi, Trefethen Vineyards, Luna Vineyards, Peju Province Winery, as well as several downtown Napa venues, including Back Room Wines, Oxbow Wine Merchant, and Vintner’s Collective. Call Wineries and Tasting Rooms prior to your visit to confirm closing times.
Have a FUN visit!
Tell us about your favorite Napa Valley venues – places to stay, restaurants, spas and wineries!
