Guide to Napa in October: What to Do in Napa Valley in Fall
Napa Valley California is a popular wine country located in northern California. It’s best known for wine tasting, luxury resorts, and fine dining. The best time to visit in in the Fall, and Napa in October can’t be beat.
Napa in October is when fall harvest happens and the grapes are pulled from the vines. Then crush happens, which is what you’ve likely seen as people stomping grapes with their feet.
In addition, fall in Napa Valley has moderate weather, with warm temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold.
Some of the best things to do in Napa Valley include wine tours, local dining, hot air balloon rides and other outdoor activities.
I first visited Napa Valley for the first time during the fall crush festival to celebrate my 21st birthday. We visited a handful of wineries, ate a ton of great food, and enjoyed exploring the region.
Keep reading to learn the best things to do in Napa Valley in a weekend and how to begin planning your trip.
Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!
Why Visit Napa Valley in October
Visiting the Napa Valley in October is a great choice for a vacation. Between the great weather and harvest season, it’s the best time to visit.
Here are five reasons to visit Napa wine country in the fall:
- Perfect weather – The weather in October is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. The crisp autumn air and sunshine make it great for walking around wine country.
- Beautiful scenery – During this time of year, the vineyards are lush with vibrant shades of green and red, making every view breathtakingly beautiful.
- Produce harvest – Harvest season means that there are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables available at local farmers markets, as well as exclusive events held by wineries that offer samples of their newly released wines.
- Lower crowds – Since fall is usually slower than peak summer months, prices for lodging typically drop significantly during this time so visitors can stay longer without breaking their budget.
- Seasonal events – There are lots of fun events held during this season, such as the Harvest Festival which features live music, artisan vendors, and amazing food pairings with wines from all over the valley!
The Best Things to do in Napa
Hot Air Balloon Ride – This hot air balloon ride is the best thing to do in Napa. It’s such a bucket-list experience and the views of fall in Napa are incredible from the air.
This tour includes a one hour flight over the Napa Valley wine country, your morning coffee, and celebratory sparkling wine.
Get Breakfast at Bouchon Bakery– Bouchon, by chef Thomas Keller, is a staple in Napa. Be prepared for a long line at this popular establishment. It is worth it for the delicious French baked goods and pastries.
Visit a Golf Course– The weather in Napa is perfect for visiting any of the local golf courses. Many of the larger hotels have great courses, so pick whichever is closest to you.
Bike Around the Valley– To burn off the extra wine calories, enjoy a long bike ride along the valley. Trails and sidewalks connect all the towns, making it easy and safe to bike around.
Visit the Oxbow Public Market- The large, indoor, farmers market is a great spot for lunch. Enjoy the local made food, treats and goods.
Get Dinner at the French Laundry– The French Laundry is the most famous restaurant in Napa. Enjoy their set menu featuring local-grown ingredients and French delicacies.
Reservations book up a year in advance for this fantastic, Michelin starred restaurant.
Take a Day Trip to Sonoma– Napa and Sonoma are typically synonymous due to their close proximity. Drive to the neighboring valley of Sonoma to explore the cute town and visit the contemporary art galleries.
Wine Tasting in Napa – Of course, you can’t visit Napa Valley wine country without trying the famous Napa Valley wines. Below, I’ll explain tips for wine tasting and the best wineries to visit.
Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
Getting between wineries
Once you have a plan for which wineries you are going to visit in Napa, you need to decide how you will get between them. There are three options:
VIP PRIVATE WINE TOURS OF NAPA VALLEY
✅ Private driver for up to 8 people
✅ Concierge service to book tastings
✅ Visit 2-4 wineries and lunch
Hire a Car: This is the most expensive option and the safest. Hiring a driver will allow you to get between wineries on your own schedule without needing to dedicate a designated driver.
Choose a Designated Driver: Having a designated driver can be a great option to save some money and afford some flexibility.
Having a designated driver allows you to visit different wineries and activities outside the constraints of a professional driver’s hours.
If you are there multiple days, rotate being a designated driver so everyone can be included.
Walk Around Town: This option works best if you are staying in the center of a Napa Valley town such as Yountville, St Helena, or Calistoga. Within downtown, you can visit many tasting rooms on foot.
This option is great for a day, but you will miss out on the large estate wineries.
General tips for wine tasting
In general, wine tasting is a fun and simple activity. To maximize your experience, be sure to eat a good breakfast beforehand and continuously drink water.
The surefire way to ruin a day of wine tasting is to get too buzzed too fast.
In addition, take advantage of the shipping deals offered by wineries. Most wineries will ship cases of wine home for free.
This is a great way to stock up on your favorite wines and save precious space in your suitcase.
For the best wine tasting experience, try wines that are new to you. Many people have perceptions of what varietals they prefer.
However, wine tasting is the perfect time to branch out and try new things. You may even find a new favorite.
Best Wineries in Napa Valley
As mentioned above, wine tasting is the most common reason to visit Napa Valley. With hundreds of wineries to choose from, it is hard to choose the best options.
Below are some of my favorite wineries for a variety of reasons.
The Best for a Crush Party: V Sattui
If you visit Napa in the fall, a crush party is a must. Crush is when grapes are harvested and the wine making process begins.
Crush parties celebrate the old method of grape crushing with feet. It also celebrates a bountiful harvest and delicious wines.
The crush party at V Sattui features all their wines, wine making education and local food. This is a must-do activity in Napa.
The Best for Champagne: Domaine Chandon
As mentioned above, Chandon was a priority for me when visiting Napa. Sparkling wine is my favorite variety and I typically buy Chandon at the store.
At Chandon, we enjoyed a fantastic brunch and bubbly tasting.
They paired their sparkling wines with breakfast favorites such as fruit, pancakes, baked goods and much more. The experience was unique, education and I would highly recommend it.
The Best for a Unique Setting: Castello di Amorosa
Commonly known as “the castle,” Castello di Amorosa is a staple winery in Napa Valley. Located in an actual castle, this is the best winery for a unique setting.
In addition to wine tasting, enjoy a castle tour where you will explore the unique architecture and learn the history of the castle.
The Best for High-End Wines: Caymus
Caymus is a household brand for high-end wines. If you enjoy quality wines and are willing to pay the premium for it, Caymus is an excellent stop.
The Best for Beautiful Grounds: Beringer
The ground at Beringer are stunning. The large landscape includes bistro tables, yard games and multiple tasting facilities. Beringer is a great place to buy a bottle and enjoy the scenery.
Where to Stay in Napa Valley
There are many amazing hotels in Napa. Most of the options are high-end and can be quite expensive. For a budget friendly option, take advantage of the local vacation rentals.
The below hotels range from $250 to $1000 per night and are all fantastic options.
Mid-Range: Andaz Napa
The Andaz Napa has a great value for the money. If you prefer to save your money for activities, this hotel is a great choice.
The location in downtown Napa makes it super easy to get around. This hotel also has two one-site restaurant to enjoy.
Luxury: Villagio at the Estate Yountville
This luxury Yountville hotel is great for anyone visiting Napa. Enjoy the Villagio’s amazing restaurant, spa and pool area.
The rooms are modern, sleek, and comfortable. The location of this hotel is incredible, within walking distance to many wineries and restaurants.
Ultra-Luxury: Auberge Du Soleil
For the ultimate Napa experience, book your stay at Auberge Du Soleil. The large rooms have stunning views, beautiful natural finishes, and fireplaces.
This resort is conveniently located in Rutherford, making it close to most wineries in the region.
If you are willing to splurge, you cannot go wrong with staying here.
Napa Two Day Fall Itinerary
Day 1: Foliage Views and Wineries
Morning:
- Hot Air Balloon: Take a hot air balloon ride to witness the breathtaking Napa Valley landscapes as the sun rises. This is an unforgettable experience, and the fall foliage will add an extra layer of beauty to your flight.
Lunch:
- Oakville Grocery Co.: Head to Oakville Grocery Co. for a gourmet picnic. Pick up some sandwiches, salads, and local cheeses to enjoy at one of the nearby vineyards. You can savor your meal while taking in the stunning vineyard views.
Afternoon:
- Wine Tasting at Caymus: Visit the renowned Caymus Winery, known for its award winning wines.
- Chandon: Explore the beautiful estate and enjoy a bubbly tasting at Domaine Chandon.
Dinner:
- Downtown Napa: Head to downtown Napa for dinner. There are plenty of fantastic dining options and cuisines.
Evening:
- Crush Party: Attend a crush party at a winery, my favorite is at V Sattui, which offers wine tasting, crush, and appetizers.
Day 2: More Wine and Outdoor Adventures
Morning:
- Breakfast at Bouchon Bakery: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. Enjoy freshly baked pastries, quiches, and gourmet coffee.
- Downtown Yountville: After breakfast, explore the boutiques in downtown Yountville for souvenir shopping.
Lunch:
- Gott’s Roadside: After your morning hike, satisfy your appetite with gourmet burgers and milkshakes at Gott’s Roadside in St. Helena.
Afternoon:
- Napa Valley Vine Trail: Rent bicycles and explore the picturesque Napa Valley on two wheels. You can follow the Napa Valley Vine Trail, visit wineries, and take in the vineyard views.
Dinner:
- French Laundry: Head to this world-famous restaurant for an unforgettable fine-dining dinner. Be sure to get reservations well in advance.
Remember to check the opening hours and make reservations where needed, especially for wine tastings and fine dining.
Average Weather in Napa California in October
Napa California in October is a beautiful time of year. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the high 50s to mid 80s during the day, and dropping into the low 30s at night.
The fog rolls in off of the nearby ocean in the early morning hours, giving Napa a unique atmosphere. As the day progresses, it usually burns off by mid-morning, leaving you with warm sunshine and clear skies for most of the day.
It’s an excellent time to visit wineries and take part in some of the many outdoor activities that Napa Valley offers.
Summary of things to do in napa in october
Napa Valley is a beautiful destination any time of year, but especially in October. With reduced crowds and mild to warm temperatures, it’s an ideal time of year to explore the area.
Not only are there plenty of vineyards and wineries to visit, but there are also numerous natural attractions like hiking trails and hot springs perfect for exploring in the fall.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or just want to experience some of California’s finest wines, Napa Valley has something to offer everyone during October.
FAQ – Napa Valley in October
October is a great month to visit Napa Valley in California. Not only is the weather pleasant and sunny, but there are also plenty of activities to enjoy – such as wine tastings, hot air balloon rides and hikes. Plus, you can still experience the vibrant colors of fall before winter begins.
The Crush season, which runs between August and October, is the busiest time of year when it comes to making the finest wines in Napa Valley. During this period, wine producers work around the clock to pick up grapes from their vineyards at just the right moment of ripeness. The grapes are then crushed and fermented to become wine.
Napa Valley is the ideal spot for a weekend getaway, and you could easily spend 3 days exploring the region.
Related Posts:
- Quick Guide To A Weekend In San Diego – What To Do And See In Two Days
- Complete Guide To A South Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation
- Skiing In South Lake Tahoe: Guide To Heavenly Mountain Resort
- Joshua Tree National Park In The Summer
Pin for later:
