Vacations in Napa Valley can be enjoyed any time of the year. There’s not really the “best” or the “worst” time to go to Napa although summer is usually the peak season where tourists come in droves to taste Napa’s wine, local cuisine, as well as enjoy summer-related activities such as swimming and doing a variety of water sports.
Everything is so verdant in Napa Valley during the spring and summer season. Bask in the glow of the hot sun and the warm summer breeze, while everything cools down during summer nights. Despite the hotel prices reaching sky-high, that even doesn’t prevent tourists from coming in droves. Restaurants, resorts and wineries/tasting rooms are usually jam-packed. Napa’s summer calendar is usually full with the presence of food and wine festivals, music festivals and other events. Despite the flurry of activities during the summer, don’t forget to visit the vineyards to witness those clusters of grapes growing bigger and plumper.
A lot of tourists though, recommend going to Napa during the fall months as it is the most magical during this season. While you’re still experiencing sunny days, you’d notice that the winds have become cooler — so don’t forget to button up before hitting the vineyards! The foliage has turned into a combination of striking colors of green, yellow, orange and red — so when you view the vineyards at a vantage point, they appear “fiery.” Celebrate Thanksgiving with style in Napa with the traditional (or non-traditional) dinner and cap it off with a Cabernet Sauvignon or a sparkling wine. Apart from the vineyards, you’ll also get to visit Napa’s “pumpkin patches” where you’ll pick the perfect pumpkin either for the Thanksgiving pumpkin pie or for Halloween decoration.
Wintertime may be the lowest for activity in Napa, but there’s a certain charm to it too. There are lots of reasons why tourists should discover Napa during wintertime. There are almost no crowds and there is less noise — so more peaceful leisurely walks. The wineries and hotels which are almost impossible to touch during the summer months have become affordable during wintertime — and you can take advantage of their sweet discounts that they offer. Wintertime also means it’s the Cabernet season, another reason for you to enjoy warm sips of the Cabernet Sauvignon along with the hearty meals.
A few knowledgeable tourists love coming back to Napa during the winter season. Apart from getting a bang for their buck with the discounted hotel rates and savings on flights and accommodation, they also know about the unique sights that winter time brings to the Napa landscape. A bright yellow carpet of wild mustard blooms spreads across the valley floor and dominate the sleeping vineyards, and the emerald green hills and mountains add to the picturesque scenery.
Many activities in Napa may be seasonal, but there’s one thing you can enjoy all year round: a flight in a hot air balloon!
Once you’re flying high over the Napa Valley, be prepared to enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the neat rows of vineyards, the hills and the mountains that may be occasionally covered by fog, and Napa’s famous valleys. Napa is always beautiful whether it is summer, autumn, winter or spring — its natural beauty changes throughout the season, but it never fades.
Partake in the customary after-flight champagne celebration. In Napa, we add these post-flight champagne celebrations with delectable buffet-style brunches featuring only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Having chats and recollections with the other guests about how wonderful the flight has been, will always be warm and cordial.
Balloons Above the Valley (BATV) provides safe and enjoyable flights for guests for over 40 years. We have a roster of the most experienced licensed flight crew who will deftly maneuver the balloons. You’re going to think of nothing but enjoying the spectacular views of the valley, taking pictures and videos, and maybe even raising a toast mid-air!
A sunrise hot air balloon flight could easily be the highlight of your vacations in Napa Valley, no matter the season.