The harvest is the most exciting time of year in a vineyard. All the year's hard work pays off in the form of sweet, plump purple fruit ready to transform into wine. Workers labor in the fields from sunrise to sunset to cut the grapes from the vines. Then it's crushing time--fruit becomes a pulp so that it can ferment.Next, it's stored in oak barrels anywhere from a few months to several years. Fall is also the time when wineries release new vintages of red wines. While Napa is fabulous at any time, travelers will especially love experiencing it during the harvest. If they plan their visit right, they might even get to participate in a winemaking class or attend a fancy harvest party at their favorite winery.
Adventure Napa Valley - Harvest Experience
The Napa Valley Wine Academy is offering this fantastic event for anyone who ever wanted to know more about winemaking. During three days, participants will harvest grapes, stain their hands purple, meet Napa's most famous winemakers, and see the winemaking process firsthand.
The day starts at the Academy, but the organizers transport the attendees to various vineyards around Napa for their hands-on experience. Each day of the course, fledgling winemakers will share gourmet lunches while they rest between their classes.
The price tag may seem a bit steep at nearly $3000 per person, but this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wine enthusiasts will find that it's worth every penny.
- Dates: October 8th - 10th
- Price: $2995 per person
- Reservation: Enroll through the Napa Valley Wine Academy website (https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/adventure-napa-valley-harvest-experience/)
From Vine To Glass Tour At Chandon's Yountville Estate Vineyard
Chandon's "From Vine to Glass Tour" is perfect for people who don't have a full three days to learn about winemaking. This class lasts an hour and a half every Sunday morning of the harvest season so it's perfect for weekend visitors.
The experience starts with a walk through the vineyard. Participants get to harvest grapes themselves. Then they get a brief winemaking tutorial. Finally, they taste a flight of sparkling wines with a light breakfast. That leaves the rest of the day to continue seeing Napa's sights.
- Dates: Every Sunday, August 15th - September 5th
- Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am (lasts 1.5 hours)
- Price: $75 per person
- Reservation: Buy tickets via the Tock website
Harvest Parties
Many wineries celebrate the harvest season with parties. This is the time when they release new wines to the public. These events are fabulously luxurious with live music, spectacular catering, and of course, attendees get to try new releases before everyone else.
Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration
Kathryn Hall Winery will release the 2018 vintage of its flagship Cabernet Sauvignon so this is truly a day to celebrate. The event, hosted by Kathryn Hall herself, includes live music, sensory experiences, and exceptional catering.
- Date and time: August 28th, 12 pm - 3 pm
- Price: $100 per person
- Reservation: Get tickets from Eventbrite
Carnivus Maximus at Crocker & Starr Vineyard
This year is special--it's the 25th Carnivus Maximus at Crocker & Starr Vineyard. Recently, wine enthusiasts voted this festival Napa's most fun harvest season event. Hilarious games give attendees the chance to win fun prizes. The fare is fabulous and the wines are even better.
- Date and time: September 5th, 12 pm - 4 pm
- Price: $225
- Reservation: Via the Crocker & Star website
Silenus Winery
Attendees get to try all the wines and gorge themselves on a delicious dinner. The establishment's winemakers enjoy the party alongside guests. That means it's easy to meet them and ask them questions. There'll also be music and dancing all evening long.
- Date and time: September 8th, 5 pm - 9 pm
- Price: $75 per person
- Reservation: Buy tickets from Silenus's website
Merryvale Vineyards
Guests get to see how the 2021 harvest is progressing. They'll enjoy Merryvale and Starmont wines and light snacks.
- Date and time: September 26th, 3 pm - 5 pm
- Price: $65 per person
- Reservation: Buy tickets on the Merryvale Vineyards websiteÂ
Tastings On The Lawn at Charles Krug Winery
Charles Krug Winery is Napa's oldest and perhaps most famous so there's nowhere better to celebrate the harvest season. This party is delightful with live music and a scrumptious spread.
- Date and time: October 2nd, 11 am - 3 pm
- Price: $85
- Reservation: Via Eventbrite
Cakebread Cellars
Cakebread Cellars puts on a family-friendly harvest event. They even have special activities for little ones while adults sip wine and eat light bites.
- Date and time: October 16th, 10 am - 1 pm
- Price: $90 (complimentary for children)
- Reservation: Via Tock
Tamber Bey Vineyard's Harvest Party
The whole family will love Tamber Bey's harvest party with horseshoes and hayrides. Mom and dad get to try all of the vineyard's new releases and current wines at a walk-around tasting. There's also an open wine bar, live music, and delicious food.
- Date and time: October 23rd, 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price: $110
- Reservation: Through the vineyard's website