Reasons to Visit Napa Valley Right Now
Wine, farm-to-table fine dining, and fun outdoor cultural experiences are all things that personify California’s Napa Valley. So, if you’re thinking about a relaxing, lowkey getaway to the Golden State, you may want to visit its famous wine country.
Vacationer offers a few travel ideas to inspire your next trip to Napa Valley – from fun new things to see and do to new hotel openings. Pack your bags for this queer-friendly, pampered vacay.
What’s New in Napa Valley
From November through April, the pace around Napa Valley slows down, but with a wave of hotel openings and new experiences – not to mention, the year’s best special offers and ‘cabernet season’ – there’s never been a better time to visit. Wine lovers will delight in just-launched tours and tasting experiences, but you don’t need to imbibe to have a great time. Sign up for a weeklong detox retreat in Calistoga, pick ingredients for your farm-to-fork dinner, and celebrate local heroes at a community art exhibition.
One of the most anticipated openings is Four Seasons Resort, which opened in Calistoga and is the only Napa Valley resort set on a working winery. Stanley Ranch, an Auberge Collection Resort, made its debut on the historic Stanley Ranch Winery estate, a 700-acre private ranch.
Mustard Bloom Ushers in Napa’s Spring Growing Season
Each year from February to March, Napa 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. More than just a photo opp, these tiny wildflowers serve an important purpose, aiding in soil biodiversity and helping ward off pests in the vineyards.
With temps hovering in the mid-60s while much of the US is still hunkered down for winter, mustard season is one of the best-kept secrets in wine country. During this time, visitors can get a taste of newly released cabernets while taking advantage of the region’s slower pace, lower hotel rates, wider access to winemakers, and an abundance of alfresco experiences. Not to mention, nabbing reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants has never been easier.
Beyond the Wine
While Napa Valley’s wineries are always a draw, the vines only account for nine percent of the county – in other words, there are plenty of other activities to do beyond wine tasting. With mild temperatures through the winter months, it’s an ideal time for getting outdoors, whether that means hiking the trails that crisscross the Mayacamas and the Vaca mountain ranges, biking the Napa Valley Vine Trail, or lacing up your sneakers for the Napa Valley Marathon.
Don’t miss a walk through the Napa Rail Arts District, a two-mile stretch of murals that have turned forgotten outdoor spaces into large-scale works of art. No cool-weather visit to Napa Valley is complete without a warming spa therapy in the town of Calistoga – originally built around abundant, natural hot springs. Detox at the new outdoor treatment rooms at the newly designed Dr. Wilkinson’s Resort & Spa or opt for the signature mud bath treatment at Four Seasons.
Remember to plan some extra time to spend visiting the LGBTQ+-friendly Guerneville, California. Get more vacation ideas and visit Napa Valley’s website for more information.
