Nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, Napa Valley is a renowned destination for wine enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond its picturesque vineyards and world-class wineries, Napa Valley is also known for its vibrant annual events that celebrate the region’s rich wine culture and heritage, and the beloved traditions that make Napa Valley a truly special place for wine lovers.
Napa Valley marks the passing days, weeks, and months by natural vineyard cycles—like mustard bloom, bud break, and harvest—and holds special events and traditions to mark the start of each.
SPRING IN NAPA VALLEY
In Napa Valley, mustard blooms grow wild and are utilized as a cover crop between vineyard rows to protect soil and ward off grapevine pests. Photo Credit: Visit Napa Valley
Mustard Season
Mustard season is one of the best-kept secrets in Napa Valley. From January to March, the valley springs to life with an explosion of wild mustard blooms, carpeting rows of vineyards with bright yellow flowers and ushering in a new growing season. Locals and savvy visitors seek out the popular Mustard Season Map for tips on how to catch a glimpse of this seasonal spectacle, and gather to marvel at its beauty at the Napa Valley Mustard Celebration, a series of events combining art, nature, food and wine.
Following the famed Silverado Trail from Calistoga to Napa, the Napa Valley Marathon passes beautiful scenery, vineyards, and some of the most world-renowned wineries along the way. Photo Credit: Visit Napa Valley
Breaths of Fresh Air
At the start of the growing season, Napa Valley welcomes in visitors from across the world for its famous annual Napa Valley Marathon. This 26.2-mile race is not the only big running event for the year; Napa Valley is home to several marathons and half-marathons that take place from bud break through the start of harvest in August and September. Post-race wine tastings are common.
Budbreak Begins
In the early days of spring—typically March or April—Napa Valley vineyards begin to document budbreak, a signal that the next year’s winegrowing season is right around the corner. Social media channels are filled with pictures from Napa Valley producers and winemakers sharing their budbreak stories across the region and its 17 distinctive AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). In a few short weeks from this moment, vineyards will fill with bright green shoots, bursting with life.
SUMMER IN NAPA VALLEY
Auction Napa Valley
Auction Weekend showcases the best of Napa Valley, as winemakers, collectors, and enthusiasts gather for a weekend of tastings, auctions, and celebrations. Run by Collective Napa Valley and Napa Valley Vintners, this annual event showcases the best of Napa Valley’s wines and raises funds for local charities, making it a must-attend occasion for anyone passionate about fine wine and philanthropy.
BottleRock and La Onda
BottleRock Main Stage. Photo Credit: Visit Napa Valley
Napa Valley is in full bloom come summer, and not just because of its luscious greenery in the vineyards. As vines grow hearty and strong, this is the season where Napa Valley comes alive with amplified music, with festivals like Bottlerock Napa Valley and La Onda bringing tens of thousands of visitors, and chefs, celebrities and musicians to the region.
FALL IN NAPA VALLEY
Blessing of the Grapes
Sparkling wine is almost always guaranteed to mark the beginning and end of harvest season. A few Napa Valley wineries like Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford commemorate the start of harvest with a time-honored, annual tradition to “bless the grapes.” Additionally, other wineries in Napa Valley may also host similar events throughout the season.
Photo Credit: Visit Napa Valley & Bob Mclenahan
Crush Season
As grapes are harvested and brought to the wineries for crushing and fermentation, Napa Valley transforms into a hub of activity and excitement. Many wineries open their doors to visitors during this time, offering behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on grape picking experiences, and tastings of the freshly pressed juice, giving guests a glimpse into the winemaking process. Check local calendar listings for details.
Communal Dining
Harvest dinner served on a 1,000-foot table down Calistoga’s Lincoln Avenue. Photo Credit: Visit Calistoga
Winemakers and crush crews in Napa Valley gather for beloved crush parties during harvest. Some wineries welcome wine club members for exclusive seated vineyard or al fresco luncheons to mingle with cellar, vineyard and winemaking teams. The town of Calistoga invites residents and visitors alike to gather for dinner at their “Harvest Table,” which extends through the likes of its charming downtown! The City of Napa offers ”Napa table,” an event with similar communal feel, each June.
Harvest Keepsakes
Photo Credit: Frog’s Leap
Around the time of grape harvest, many local winemaking teams gather for a different kind of harvest at their property farms and orchards. Take the team at Frog’s Leap Winery, whose peach trees are estate’s second biggest crop outside of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Many teams have traditions of preserving their farm delights, selling them in the winery as a treasured keepsake.
WINTER IN NAPA VALLEY
Cabernet Season
During the quiet winter months, wineries across Napa Valley celebrate Cabernet Season by offering special tastings, tours, and events focused on the region’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors can explore the unique terroir of Napa Valley while enjoying intimate tastings with fewer crowds, making it the perfect season for wine enthusiasts seeking personalized experiences and exclusive opportunities to indulge in the region’s finest.
Holiday Open House Events
Photo Credit: Visit Napa Valley & Bob Mclenahan
During the festive holiday season, Napa Valley wineries deck their halls and welcome guests for special open house events. Visitors can enjoy tastings of holiday-themed wines, meet winemakers and artisans, and stock up on unique gifts, making these events a wonderful way to celebrate the season in wine country style.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine enthusiast, Napa Valley’s annual traditions offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich wine culture and heritage. Cheers to the traditions that make Napa Valley a truly exceptional destination for wine lovers!