Best time to Visit Napa Valley My name is Kent Higginbotham, and I’ve watched Napa grow from 9,000 to 80,000, and have great love for what this valley was and has become. Liv- ing here my whole life, I’ve worked in every part of the industry, and now plan visits to wine country, and drive the roads less traveled every day. With this column, I’ll be sharing with you what these years and miles have taught me. On a weekly basis I am asked when the best time of year is to visit the wine country, and it’s never an easy question to answer... All twelve months of the year have specific events or qualities that make them stand out, and each visitor is looking for some- thing different, so I usually answer that question with a question. But since I’ve got your attention, here is the long version. Starting in January and running through April we see the beauti- ful mustard fields that can brighten even the rainiest of days. In addition to all that vibrant natural beauty, most of the crowds are gone (they begin to return in March) and you can expect an extra dose of attention from your hosts. There are also deals and discounts to be found across the board, ranging from hotel specials and spa treatment discounts to inclusive packages for occasions like “Cabernet Month” and “Restaurant Month” (both January). So if you’re looking for a cozy vibe with a local feel and great deals, then plan to come early in the year. One of my favs is Chase Family Vineyards; this vineyard is right in the middle of the mustard. When spring melts into thehot summer months, tourists flow into the valley, and energy and enthusiasm fill the streets, trails, and visitor-packed businesses. If you plan ahead, then you’re fine; and traffic isn’t a problem if you’ve got a “driver,” as you can sip in the back seat. You should also expect hikes in prices for just about everything and the occasional scorching day, but there is a good reason everyone comes in summertime... It’s beautiful and you can picnic, explore, hike, bike, and dine outdoors at all hours. I often like to take my guest to Bremer Family Winery on How- ell Mountain, where each group gets their own separate tasting area. The busiest time of the year lands inSeptember and October for “Crush/Harvest,” when the tourism rate goes up by at least 25% over the summer season. There is a bit of everything, as there are ripened grapes on the vine, stomp parties and wine club events galore, and the scents of fermentation are as intoxicating as the Harvest vibe. Weather can be a concern here, as one day is beautiful and the next rainy or cold, but you’re in the wine coun- try during harvest... how many concerns can you really have as a tourist? Warm or wet, the Gabrielle Collection is a “Can’t Miss.” Without knowing you I can’t tell you which season is “best,” but I can tell you that my personal favorite isNOVEMBER! The crowds are generally gone, rates down, the smells of harvest still permeate the valley, and the fall colors have been said to rival those of upper New England in fall. You can find some of the best examples of the fall beauty up at Porter Family Vineyards with Tim and Rebecca! Oh, and did I mention events?!?! They’re the best, and range from the Live in The Vineyards Concert series Like us on facebook for updates and Valley. You owe it to yourself to come to Napa at least once into the Napa Valley Film Festival and food-driven Flavor! Napa a chance to win tickets! your lifetime, for November in Napa Valley. MischievousINK Have more questions? Contact Kent via mischievousink on facebook or kent@squirelivery.com 3
NVLife Jan-Feb 2013
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