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What to Do in Napa Valley During Harvest Time

There’s more to Napa Valley than Harvest. Though that’s the most popular time of year to visit for a reason, there are joys following it.
August 30, 2018
 
There’s more to Napa Valley than Harvest. Though that’s the most popular time of year to visit for a reason, there are joys following it.  Whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the busy harvest season or the more relaxing Cabernet Season in the area, there are so many appealing aspects drawing visitors to Napa Valley during the next few months. Here is everything you need to know about these crucial times in the winemaking process.

When is Harvest Time in Napa?

Harvest time in Napa Valley typically occurs from August through October each year. Here are key details about the Napa harvest season:
  • Start date: Usually early August
  • End date: Late October or early November
  • Duration: Approximately 8-10 weeks
  • First grapes harvested: Sparkling wine grapes, often in early August
  • Mid-season: White wine grapes
  • Late-season: Red wine grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Factors affecting timing: Weather conditions, grape variety, and wine style
The exact timing can vary slightly each year depending on weather patterns and grape ripeness. Wineries often work around the clock during this period to pick grapes at their peak ripeness. Harvest season, also known as "crush" season, is considered the busiest and most exciting time in Napa Valley, with many wineries offering special harvest events and experiences for visitors

Harvest Season Events in Napa

Harvest in Napa Valley is a truly remarkable time of year. The weather is starting to cool, the leaves are changing colors, the area’s grape growers are busy harvesting their crop and wine production is in full swing. The celebratory atmosphere during this time of year is contagious. Luckily, Napa Valley provides more than modern homes for sale in California, as harvest time offers a variety of festivities throughout the season that are not to be missed.

Carnivus Maximus

Crocker & Starr Winery
700 Dowdell Lane, St. Helena

The harvest season unofficially begins with the annual Carivus Maximus at Crocker & Starr Winery in St. Helena.  In addition to celebrating this year’s grape harvest, this party also welcomes the addition of the winery’s newest offering, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon “Stone Place.” The event will include delicious food from a variety of local restaurants, such as Hog Island Oyster Co., The Fatted Calf Charcuterie, Pizza Politana, Cafe ZUZU and Paradise Shaved Ice along with some fun games and prizes throughout the afternoon. Sow Belly Trio provides musical accompaniment for the festivities, which kick off at noon on September 2.

Calistoga Harvest Table

Downtown Calistoga
Lincoln Street, Calistoga

Enjoy the flavors of the season from a dozen local restaurants and more than 40 area wineries at the annual Calistoga Harvest Table. This unique event features 1,000 feet of dining tables stretched across Lincoln Street in downtown Calistoga, where diners can feast on seasonal cuisine from participating restaurants and drinks from area wineries. The event, on Sunday, September 9, kicks off with a social hour at 4:30 p.m., which is open to the public. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. to ticket holders. A portion of the proceeds from the dinner will be donated to Calistoga Cares food bank.

Harvest Ball

V. Sattui Winery
1111 White Lane, St. Helena

One of the most highly anticipated events of the season, the Harvest Ball at V. Sattui Winery is an exclusive private event with a sense of fun. The evening begins with a beautiful sunset over the rolling hills near the winery’s picturesque grounds, followed by a gourmet dinner curated by the vineyard’s Michelin-starred chef. And, of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without a selection of the winery’s award-winning wines and live music for dancing the night away. The annual harvest ball will be held on September 15 this year, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Barn Bash

Rutherford Hill Winery
200 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford

Celebrate this year’s harvest by enjoying a special selection of Rutherford Hill and Terlato Vineyards wine at the seventh annual Barn Bash release party. This fun event will pair delicious wine offerings with wood-fire grilled pizza and smoky BBQ dishes in the rustic barn at Rutherford Hill Winery. The event will also feature live music in the winery’s beautiful oak grove. The barn bash starts at 11 am. on September 16.

Harvest Party and Grape Stomp

Benessere Vineyards
1010 Big Tree Road, St. Helena

Enjoy one of the most entertaining aspects of harvest season—grape stomping—at this annual bash at Benessere Vineyards. The Harvest Party and Grape Stomp will include a grape stomping competition, in addition to live music from the Bueno Brothers. Local food truck favorite, Mark’s the Spot, will fire up their wood oven for delicious appetizers and pizza to pair with the vineyard’s selection of wonderful wines.This year’s event will start at 11 a.m. on September 22.


 
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