As the summer season comes to a close, we are gearing up for fall and another year of Harvest Season Events in Napa Valley. This picturesque region, known for its world-class wines and rolling vineyards, is abuzz with activity during harvest season—a time when the fruits of months of labor come to fruition. If you’re looking to experience the heart and soul of Napa Valley, there’s no better time to visit than during the harvest season. Here’s a glimpse into what makes this time of year truly special.
In Napa Valley, Harvest season takes place August through October. This period is marked by a celebration of the newest crop of grapes to come off the vines. There is a wide array of special events and experiences as vineyards and wineries work around the clock to pick and process the grapes. If you are visiting Napa Valley during this time, be sure to make reservations in advance for wine tastings and dining!
Grape Stomping
Go behind the scenes and get your hands and feet dirty with some good old fashioned grape stomping! At Bouchaine Vineyards, guests can pick and clip clusters of grapes from the vine, that they will later be used for stomping. You can also enjoy live music and commemorate the occasion by taking home a grape-juice dyed shirt! The price is $150 per person, or $100 if you are a wine club member. This event takes place October 6th, but there are also several venues throughout September and October that offer grape picking and stomping events. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to visit Estate Yountville for their kid-friendly harvest festival where kids can stomp the grapes with the purchase of a ticket too! This event is October 5th and costs $75 for adults and $35 for kids.
Parties and Celebrations
The harvest season is also a time for celebration, with various festivals and events taking place throughout the valley. One of the many events taking place is the Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration located at HALL Wines on September 7th. The price is $150 per person to enjoy music, food, dancing and fun times on their great lawn. Another popular event is the Harvest Ball at V. Sattui Winery on September 14th. The price for this event is $350 per person, or $300 for wine club members. Dress to the nines in your black-tie attire and stroll through this beautiful winery. They will be celebrating their 38th year with a multi-course gourmet meal and highly-acclaimed wines, this is set to be the biggest party of the year!
There are quite a few dinners and events occurring during this Harvest Season, but one in particular is for the paella lovers! Located at Tres Sabores, the Pomegranate & Paella Harvest Party is happening on October 19th from 4pm-7pm. Not only do they have a delicious array of special foods, including those made with their pomegranates, they also have Live Fire Paella made from scratch at the venue! You can also enjoy live music, all you can eat and drink, and great company. Tickets for this event are $150 per person, or $125 for wine club members.
To make the most of your visit to Napa Valley during Harvest Season, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Book accommodations early, as this is a popular time for tourists. Check the schedules of the wineries and events you want to visit to ensure you don’t miss out. And, of course, don’t forget to dress in layers—while days can be warm, evenings can be cool.
Napa Valley during Harvest Season is a feast for the senses. So, if you’re looking to experience one of California’s most iconic wine regions at its peak, make sure to book your stay at RiverPointe Napa Valley during this magical time of year. You’ll leave with not just a bottle of fine wine, but also a heart full of memories!