The Best Time of Year to Make a Trip to Napa Wineries

Because of the moderate climate of the Bay Area and areas slightly north of San Francisco, virtually any time of year is perfect for touring the area. The temperatures always seem to hover right at the perfect point for comfort. Even during the summer months, on hot days, the breeze from the bay provides enough cooling power to keep things in check. 

However, all things considered, there’s always a perfect time of year to pick for visiting any specific area. No matter how uniform the climate is, there’s always one season that sticks out for providing the perfect opportunity to plan a vacation. 

If you’re considering a trip to Napa Valley, you might want to read this first. This is all about the best time of year to tour the area and why. 

Wine Lover’s Haven

Napa Valley is famous for producing some of the finest wines in the world. The area is home to over 375 wineries and 90 tasting rooms. Depending on the time of year you visit, Napa Valley can provide a slightly different experience each time. Here’s a sample of what every season has to offer and which one we think is the best. 

The Summer

If you want a warmer, dry, sun-filled experience, Napa Valley in the summer is right up your alley. The days are warmer, and the blue skies are incredibly intense, with the evenings long and drawn out. 

Summer is a popular time to check out the wineries and vineyards. Things can be pretty crowded, so you might want to book early if you go. 

This is also a perfect time to enjoy lake activities and hikes at Lake Berryessa and Lake  Hennesy here in Napa Valley. 

Daytime temperatures normally hover between the mid-80s to the low-90s, and the evenings drop to the mid-50s. 

The Fall

Fall is actually the busiest time of year in the area because the grapes are in full swing. August, September, and October are the most active months for wineries, as harvesting takes place day in and day out. 

Some vineyards offer behind-the-scenes tours, but tasting rooms are your best option. The atmosphere is tranquil because of the land shining with red, orange, and gold. Temperatures are between the 70s and 80s and drop to the 50s at night. 

The Winter

The wintertime in Napa Valley can be a charming experience, especially because of the holiday festivities that take place. It’s not hard to get into the holiday spirit in the area.  Make sure to see the Yountville lights and the Calistoga tractor parade. 

Wineries will open for holiday open-houses and are paired with amazing food selections. The weather is normally wet and cold, hovering around the 50s during the day and around the 30s at night. 

The Spring

The spring season might be the perfect time of year to visit the Napa Valley. There is mild weather, lots of foliage, and it’s not as busy, so you won’t find it difficult to find lodging. All of the wineries and tasting rooms are open, though, so you can still get the full effect.

Temperatures are normally around the 70s in the day and 60s at night – the perfect combination for a visit to the area. 

ELLMAN, a Top Winery in Napa

If you’re headed to Napa Valley, you might want to plan the trip during the spring. The weather is perfectly comfortable, there isn’t much rain, the views are beautiful, and the crowds are smaller. You couldn’t ask for a better environment for a trip to wine country. 

When it comes to family-owned wineries in Napa Valley and family-owned vineyards in Napa Valley, ELLMAN definitely stands out. A family legacy project started by two brothers, they honor their family name with ultra-creative and elegant wines to share with you. Working with expert winemaker Andy Erickson, they are becoming one of the top wineries in Napa. Among all Napa wineries open, Ellman definitely cracks the top Napa wineries list. Check out all the Andy Erickson wine they create by joining them at their Downtown Napa tasting room for a private tasting. Join the mailing list and never miss a release of their wine here, or check out their full website to learn how to get started. 

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