Ah, Napa Valley in harvest season—it’s like the world’s most delightful conveyor belt from grape to glass! Between August and October, there’s something in the air as Napa transforms with the buzz of vineyard workers, the scent of fresh grapes, and, oh, those grapes? They’re on a one-way journey to becoming some fantastic wine.

But there’s more to Napa’s harvest than just winemaking. Want to dine with a winemaker? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted a behind-the-scenes peek at the winemaking process? Well, this is your season! From unique festivities to vibrant vineyard views, Napa Valley during harvest is an experience you won’t forget. Here’s your guide to visiting during harvest season.

Wine Tasting During Harvest Season

Before you lock in tasting reservations, do a quick check to see if the winery offers any special tours of their property, vineyards, or wine making facilities during harvest, because it’s always a treat to see winemakers and winery teams working their magic.

You can never go wrong with a picnic amidst the vines at Pine Ridge Vineyards (it’s the quintessential Napa activity, right?), but if you happen to be traveling with a larger group, don’t miss Merryvale’s Blind Tasting Experience. You’ll discover how to analyze wine through taste and smell rather than sight alongside an expert guide in the historic Cask Room.

Up for a stroll through vineyards? Bell Wine Cellars’ Grape to Glass Tour & Tasting starts with a stroll through their Yountville vineyard, exploring the site’s unique terroir. You’ll then take a look at the tank and barrel rooms before finishing with a tasting of five wines.

While not exclusive to harvest season, Hess Persson Estates’ ATV Vineyard Tour & Tasting is a more adventurous way to venture beyond the tasting room into the vineyards. You’ll hop into an ATV to explore the historic estate, traversing its picturesque grounds before ending with a wine and culinary pairing.

Of course, if you’d rather kick back and let someone else do the planning, book a tour with Beau Wine Tours. They offer several Napa Valley wine tours to choose from, whether you’re a Napa newbie, a Howell Mountain wine fanatic, or simply fancy an afternoon exploring Spring Mountain’s gems.  

WineCountry Experiences

One last thing before we move on: don’t overlook the WineCountry Experiences offered in Napa Valley. You can’t go wrong with any of them (they’ve been vetted by a picky crowd—ahem, we mean us), but we are seriously loving the following:

• Cabernet Pairing Experience at Sequoia Grove (yum!)
• Vineyard Experience at Crocker & Starr (an al fresco delight) 
• Seasonal Culinary Experience at Silver Oak (your stomach will thank you)
• Bottle Blending Experience at Judd’s Hill (be a winemaker for a day)
• Cookie Pairing Experience at Tamber Bey (a fun alternative to cheese pairing)

Dining During Harvest Season

Napa Valley cuisine is like a treasure trove of culinary excellence, and believe us when we say that most restaurants in Napa have mastered the art of seasonal cooking.

As the name implies, FARM Restaurant + Bar at the serene Carneros Resort and Spa features an elevated menu emphasizing locally sourced produce, including from the restaurant’s own organic gardens. Every dish here is like a love letter to Napa Valley’s seasonal ingredients. Another fabulous spot is The Charter Oak, showcasing food by acclaimed chef, Christopher Kostow. Their dishes are usually composed of just a few ingredients and celebrate the bounty of the region, but don’t mistake simplicity for boring, as everything here is a feast for the senses. Speaking of a feast for the senses, we’re seriously loving the Italian-French-inspired fare and elegant atmosphere at Violetto, Alila Napa’s fabulous on-site restaurant.

If you’re looking to meet the newest culinary talent of Napa Valley’s Wine Country, we recommend grabbing a table at the Culinary Institute at Greystone’s Gatehouse Restaurant. As the capstone experience for aspiring chefs, guests can expect an innovative menu highlighting creative cooking. Or, venture to the CIA’s downtown Napa location, CIA at Copia, a treasure trove of food, wine, and culinary events.

A quick tip: There’s a lot of excitement during harvest, but there are also a lot of travelers, so that coveted table at that picture-perfect restaurant? It’s in high demand. We suggest making reservations in advance at your favorite Napa Valley restaurants to ensure you have a seat saved at the table.

Events During Harvest Season

Many wineries have special harvest events going on during the season. We’ve spotlighted a few of the season’s happenings below, but you can visit our Events Listing page to view more harvest events this time of year.

1. On September 20, Groth Vineyards & Winery hosts the next phase of their “Summer School” series: the Groth Vineyard & Cellar Walk. This family-friendly experience is a chance to walk the vineyards, learn about what happens in the cellar during harvest, and dine with the Groth team during a picnic-style lunch on the lawn.
2. On September 21, PEJU Winery is hosting their Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp, which includes a lively grape stomping experience and a family-style lunch with wine pairings. Sounds like a blast!
3. This September 27, Reynolds Family Winery will welcome guests for their Harvest Party. Guests are invited to join for an evening of library wines and seasonal bites, incredible hospitality, and fun activities like their grape stomping competition. It’s a fun, relaxed way to toast to the 2025 harvest season!
4. On October 11, Merryvale will host a Harvest Brunch at their picturesque Profile Estate Vineyard. Join Proprietors René and Laurence Schlatter as they release their 2022 Profile and 2023 Silhouette wines, paired with an indulgent al fresco brunch crafted by Chef Nash Cognetti.

Of course, the harvest fun isn’t limited to just Napa Valley. If you’re heading to Sonoma County, check out our guide to Harvest in Sonoma, featuring tips on where to stay, what to do, and where to taste the best of the best.

Where to Stay in Napa

Oh, trust us, we know that a day of culinary adventures and wine escapades in Napa needs to end in absolute comfort. So, get ready to hit the sack in style, because the hospitality in Napa Valley is as top-notch as the Cabernets. Here are a few spots to consider:

Need more hotel inspiration? Be sure to check out all of our Lodging Perks for exclusive deals on hotel stays throughout Napa Valley, from special discounts and spa credits to complimentary bottles of wine upon check-in.