Winter vacations in Napa Valley may be much more laid-back compared to those in the summer and spring months. But they don’t have to be dull!
There is a unique appeal about visiting Napa Valley in each of the seasons. Summer is the time for outdoor activities and immersing yourself in music, art and culture, with a plethora of festivals mostly occurring during this season. Fall is perfect for watching the Napa Valley dramatically changing colors.
And winter, on the other hand, is perfect for peaceful walks, contemplation, observing and viewing the bare vineyards and appreciating the otherworldly scenery.
No rushing through the crowds, no over-crowded restaurants and tasting rooms, and hotels that are untouchable during the summer become more affordable in the winter.
Despite the relatively unhurried pace during the winter, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are also festivals in Napa which are unique for this season. There’s the Napa Truffle Festival (every January) which celebrates the gourmet fungus with seminars on truffle cultivation and feasts on wine and truffle-infused cuisine. The Napa Mustard Festival encourages local businesses and non-profit organizations to entice and attract visitors to Napa Valley during this season.
And winter means it’s the Cabernet Season, which occurs from late November through April. Along with the cool winter winds comes the hearty meals, and a toast of the legendary Cabernet Sauvignon to pair with the meals. There are a handful of events, festivals as well as promotions from wineries, restaurants, and other establishments that celebrate this particular season.
Snapping up a reservation for a hotel suite for your winter holiday in Napa is relatively easy as it is the off-peak season. Check out a number of hotels because they slash their rates by as much as 40% off. A perfect time to snuggle up beside the hotel fireplace, while sipping Cabernet Sauvignon. No worries, no pressures.
Winter time unveils Napa Valley in what many people believe its most beautiful form — while the vineyards are dormant, the brilliant yellow blooms of wild mustard begin to dominate the valley floor. These vividly colored flowers paint an altogether different landscape in the Napa Valley in the most enchanting way.
Winter time is also a perfect time for the hot air ballooning because of the cool, stable winds. Be sure to wear your heavy jacket as it is much colder when you’re flying up in the sky!
Flying the hot air balloon in the cool, calm winter winds above the Napa Valley is the best experience you can possibly have. Marvel at the bright yellow blooms that carpet the valley floors, as well as the emerald green hills that greet the morning sunrise glow.
Enjoy uninterrupted views of the beautiful Napa Valley during the winter in a way that you’ve never done before. Balloons Above the Valley (BATV) is open any time and any season of the year, and we’d be glad to accommodate you when you want a hot air balloon ride during the winter season. As with all of our hot air balloon packages, it begins with a fresh and hot breakfast to get you through the chilly morning as well as to get you in the mood for the hot air balloon flight. And after the wonderful one-hour flight, you and the other guests are feted with a lovely brunch with sparkling wine. The warm welcoming at the champagne brunch celebration surely beats the winter chill!
Check out other BATV hot air balloon and wine tour packages if you want to get more out of your winter holidays in Napa Valley: https://balloonrides.com/hot-air-balloon-napa/balloon-ride/
Winter vacations in Napa Valley don’t have to be blah. While winter means a lull in tourism, it leaves you to enjoy the beauty of Napa Valley in its more pristine state. You can still do a lot of things in Napa which include admiring the vivid landscape, enjoying hearty meals with the Cabernet Sauvignon, and enjoying a sunrise hot air balloon ride.