When to go to wine country?

May 15, 2006 2:04 PM

What is the best time of year to visit California's wine country?

My mother and I would like to visit the wine country sometime this year, but we really don't know what the best time of year to go is...or maybe there isn't one.

Ideally, we'd like to go when there are lots of things to do, and when there are great wine-things to experience. We'd probably take one or more winery tours. We'd like to stay a week (Wednesday-Tuesday, or some such combination). We are set on going to Californian wine country - I am aware that Oregon has a seriously underrated and wonderful wine region, too, but we're going to California.

Don't know what else is relevent, so please ask follow-ups if necessary and I will respond.

posted by MeetMegan to Travel & Transportation around California (12 answers total)

It's beautiful in the spring when everything is green.
posted by buggzzee23 at 2:19 PM on May 15, 2006

I grew up in Sonoma county, I think the best times of year are definitely fall and spring/early summer. Be aware though, both seasons are really brief - for instance it was pouring rain in Sonoma county til just a couple weeks ago, and now is apparently up around 90 degrees, according to my mom. I would recommend visiting around May-June or September-October, if you want to miss the hottest or wettest weather.
posted by supercrayon at 2:25 PM on May 15, 2006

Late August through early October would be a natural time to visit for good weather and because grapes are being harvested and crushed.
posted by modofo at 2:34 PM on May 15, 2006

I grew up there, and have an extreme fondness for that one week in March—it varies, of course—that is lush and green and lovely, but it's definitely fleeting. Also gorgeous is November, around Thanksgiving, which is pretty too, but in a crisp autumnal way. Worst time to go is June-August when it's lousy with tourists and icky hot.
posted by cacahuete at 3:02 PM on May 15, 2006

My vote is for late April - the hillsides are still green from the rain, wildflowers are starting to bloom, the weather is cool, and there aren't thousands of tourists everywhere. Please keep in mind that once the rainy season (winter) is over, the grasslands dry and turn golden-brown. It's not to everyone's taste, if they're used to summer being lush and green. It does get very hot in the summer, but usually with low humidity, so you don't wilt as you would in St. Louis or Atlanta.

There is apparently a "Wine Train" that goes through Napa, but I don't know anything about it, other than it sounds fun.

I have friends who rave about the town of Sonoma, but there are plenty of places to stay in the area. Some wineries offer lodging, though it's pretty deluxe.

If you have time, check out the coast of Sonoma County - it's gorgeous. Hope you have a great trip!
posted by shifafa at 5:29 PM on May 15, 2006

piggyback question: i'm going to take some visiting relatives up to wine country this weekend, and am looking for a good restaurant recommendation. napa or sonoma would be great- we haven't decided where to go yet. i can post a more educated answer to this question in a few days.
posted by purplefiber at 5:48 PM on May 15, 2006

I was just up there last weekend. It was lovely, green and lush. In the 80s. Perfect for me.
posted by clh at 5:52 PM on May 15, 2006

Remember there are two wine countries, if you're going to Paso Robles area I'd go much earlier in the year. It gets hot down there earlier.
posted by fshgrl at 8:56 PM on May 15, 2006

I grew up in Sonoma and Napa and looking back I remember the fall harvest being the best time of year. The smell of the fermenting grapes and the colors of the vines are amazing. Otherwise early summer is also a good bet. Just avoid august, it can get really hot.

(radioamy's roomie)
posted by radioamy at 9:08 PM on May 15, 2006

Ideally, we'd like to go when there are lots of things to do, and when there are great wine-things to experience.

There are always lots of things to do. We went in colder months, so visually it probably wasn't what you're looking for (it's still beautiful, just different). On the plus side there was very few other people. We had the place almost to ourselves.

And that's what's most important to me.
posted by justgary at 9:19 PM on May 15, 2006

Purplefiber -- where you're going to be will determine good restaurant recommendations. I'll suggest Healdsburg and not just because my family lives there (Sonoma County is more suited to my tastes, a little calmer and less touristy, more rolling hills, and everything is a touch more relaxed, but it all depends on what kind of experience you're looking for). In Healdsburg, try Ravenous or BarnDiva, and there are lots of great spots right on the town square, perfect for lunch.

MeetMorgan: For time of year, I'd aim for mid September. It's crush then -- lots of action, the grape leaves are at their most gorgeous and huge and the grapes themselves are practically dripping off the vines. July-August you get the big grapes too, but the weather is bloody hot. And I'll repeat my Sonoma suggestion -- Alexander Valley is fun, but Dry Creek Valley is more manageable and very picturesque. When you get closer to your trip, ask again with an eye towards where you'll be and I'll try to be of further assistance.
posted by incessant at 10:19 PM on May 15, 2006

I second the votes for March/April or Fall, just because that's when things are most beautiful there, and aren't too hot.

There are actually 5 main wine regions in California:

North Coast (incl. Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino)
Sierra Foothills
Central Valley
Central Coast (incl. Monterey, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara Co.)
South Coast
posted by shoos at 11:46 PM on May 15, 2006