Fall Travels in Napa Valley
September 17, 2019
Harvest season has arrived, and Napa Valley is a beautiful place to enjoy it. Napa is a unique destination year round, with every season having something different to offer. As fall arrives, wine lovers and world travelers gather for the beginning of this special time of year. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the hills being brightened with grape leaves beginning to burst with color.
The best time to enjoy the harvest season in Napa is August through October. Napa is known for its vast landscapes and vineyards as far as the eye can see. What better way to experience the valley than by going on a vineyard and wine cellar tour. As you walk through the winery you can see the winemaking process, cellars, and sometimes even try the wine straight out of the barrel. Pine Ridge Vineyards offers some amazing tours of their facilities, and ends it with a delicious wine and cheese tasting meal down in their historic cellar. If you want to explore multiple wineries without having to fuss with transportation, we recommend looking into the elegant Napa Valley Wine Train Tour. For a more unique and exclusive wine tasting experience, Forbes provides an extensive look into the famous Newton Vineyard that you won’t want to miss.
Where there’s wine, there must also be food. Napa has world renowned restaurants that perfectly compliment the valley as the cuisine focuses on ingredients sourced from local farmers and artisans. Famous for its authentic Italian dishes paired with the valley’s wine, Bistro Don Giovanni will transport you to the hills of Tuscany for a meal you won’t forget. The Charter Oak incorporates those local flavors focusing on one to two ingredients in their meat-centric menu. Looking for an innovative experience and creative menu? Make a reservation at the Culinary Institute at Greystone’s Gatehouse Restaurant. For a fine dining dinner experience, check out Michelin’s Guide to Napa Valley’s Top Michelin Star Restaurants.
During fall, Napa is buzzing with all sorts of events from grape stomps to winery parties. Napa Valley has a list of the 10 Best Ways to Celebrate the Harvest Season. To truly experience and see the whole valley, we recommend booking a Napa Valley Bike Tour. This tour will provide you with memories to last a lifetime as you cycle through the vineyards tasting wines along the way.
Take your trip to the next level by experiencing the five star Meadowood Spa. You can reserve a calming suite with treatments or enjoy the relaxation gardens and a healthy culinary menu. Whatever you choose at Meadowood, you can’t go wrong. If you enjoy bringing back gifts for family and friends, don’t forget to stop by Woodhouse Chocolate. Handmade in Napa Valley, Woodhouse supplies irresistible chocolate gift boxes. Be sure to drop by the famous Model Bakery on your way out of town for some delicious treats as well.
What better way to celebrate fall than with a harvest party of your own. If you can’t make the trip to Napa Valley this year, celebrate in your own way. Runway Chef has provided some great ideas for hosting a wine and cheese party, so break out the wine and charcuterie boards because this beautiful season is upon us.
Photo credit for Travel + Leisure, Forbes, The Viva Luxury, Napa Valley, Runway Chef, and A Forks Tale.