Tending to the vines is a year-long process, but Harvest season brings a new kind of excitement to the Napa Valley. As you drive north up Highway 29 through historic Oakville and Rutherford, you are immediately welcomed by the intoxicating aroma of ripening grapes as crush fills the air.
Ask yourself, have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a winemaker is like or what it would feel like to be swept up in the exhilarating energy of harvest? Look no further, St. Helena is filled with Harvest gatherings, curated wine tasting experiences, and lodging packages to make the most of your Harvest getaway.
Harvest Inn captures the essence of vineyard life. Walk under Redwood trees, dine on farm-to-table creations, relax in the hot tub and savor wine and sweeping views of the vineyards from an Adirondack chair.
At Wine Country Inn, breathtaking vineyard views from private decks are best enjoyed early morning sipping coffee and enjoying the crip air as the fog bed lifts over the sea of vines. Enjoy daily country breakfasts, weekend wine tastings, and a refreshing swimming pool and spa.
Now that you’ve booked your lodging let’s fill that itinerary with curated harvest wine tasting experiences. Did you know you can create your very own wine varietal? Play vintner for the day and head to Raymond Vineyards, where you will craft your own Bordeaux-style red blend, fill your bottle, cork it, capsule it, dress it with your custom label, and take it home to enjoy.
Sip like a Saint and be treated like royalty at Clif Family Winery. Taste flight of organic certified Howell Mountain wines that are paired delightfully with seasonal culinary bites from the garden. Or better yet, take a tour of the vines, with their Tour De St. Helena bike and wine tasting tour. There’s no better way to catch a glimpse of the valley floor and smell winemakers crushing grapes, than on two wheels.
Harvest flavors are abundant in the #94574. Dine at Pizzeria Tra Vigne, where local ingredients and woodfired pizzas fill the northern Italian patio. You’ll want to start your meal with Padron peppers from their woodfired oven and add those sweet heirloom tomatoes to your mozzarella al munto and finish with a Sonoma fig pizza. Saluti!
Cozy up next to the brick fireplace and indulge your senses under the Napa Valley stars at Harvest Table. This wine country kitchen features a multi-course family-style menu changing every three weeks to take advantage of their fresh micro-farm crops. Insider tip: Arrive early to enjoy a garden to glass cocktail, take a stroll through the grounds, and snap a picture in the vineyards!
When the sun goes down, Napa Valley wine doesn’t stop pouring! Take advantage of the many celebratory events toasting to this year’s vintage. Take part in one of Napa Valley’s longest-running harvest traditions at Charles Krug Winery. Dance the night away, sip on wine, and enjoy catered bites from local vendors. This is one of the hottest parties to attend and sells out within days.
Harvest parties are also a way to sip on new release wines before the general public. Silverado Vineyards Paella party offers a unique twist on Harvest celebrations. They will be pouring their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, SOLO, also will include Spanish tapas, paella, and Sangiovese Sangria, all while taking in one of the best views in the valley from their elevated terrace.
You have extra time to spend in wine country and want to plan a last-minute experience. Make your way to historic downtown and shop St. Helena where local boutiques fill the brick buildings and unique architecture. Stop into the St. Helena Welcome Center, where knowledgeable staff is armed with insider tips and can help recommend the best St. Helena experiences tailored to your liking. Don’t forget to shop at the Welcome Center Mercantile. This is your one-stop shop for Napa Valley souvenirs, unique home décor items, St. Helena swag, and more.
So what do you say, will we see you this Harvest Season in St. Helena?