6 Reasons to Visit Wine Country in the Spring

 

Napa is the ideal place for a weekend-getaway any time of year, as each season has its own unique traits to maximize your experience—and the spring is certainly no exception. Here are some tops reasons to schedule your wine country trip in the month of March, April or May.

1.    The “off-season” is still on point

In the springtime, Napa’s stunning yellow-flowered mustard plants are in full bloom. The grapes have been harvested, the weather is beautiful, and wine-tasting tours are easier to book than during the busy summer season.

 2. Taste local life

Oxbow Market is a great place to enjoy Napa through a local’s lens. Take a break from wine tasting and choose from a wide variety of culinary options—be it seafood, cheeses, meats, olive oil, beer, tea, baked goods, desserts and more.

It’s also a great place to do some shopping while taking the time to stop and smell the roses. Locally grown, fragrant gardenias are now in bloom, so we encourage flower-lovers to step into The Monkey Flower Group’s shop and take a whiff.

On Tuesday, you can take advantage of the weekly Locals Night where many merchants offer special deals that are too good to pass up.

3. Hiking season

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and get some outdoor exercise while learning about Napa Valley history. Our favorite trail is the out and back hike to the Historic Bale Grist Mill alongside the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Bikes are allowed on the trail, and there are picnicking and camping sites for the family to enjoy. When you’re ready to cool off, take advantage of two seasonal swimming pools located in the state park.

 4. Drink outdoors

In St. Helena, also known as the heart of Napa Valley, you can find Long Meadow Ranch’s Farmstead. The restaurant offers farm-to-table organic produce that’s grown right on its own estate. Families can sit around an open kitchen and those 21 and over are encouraged to enjoy the outside bar area. Every Friday night there’s seasonal cocktails paired with live country music.

 5. Plan a picnic

If you belong to our wine club, take advantage of your membership and bring your friends on a picnic in Whitehall Lane’s own beautiful Tuscan-inspired garden. We have a small, beautiful and secluded area nestled in our estate vineyard that can be reserved specifically for this purpose. Uncork a bottle of Whitehall Lane and bring your fare of choice to relax among spring’s bloom.

 6. Drink on deck

The Auberge Du Soleil Resort features a Michelin-starred restaurant that was one of the first great Wine Country establishments. The incredible, panoramic views on the deck paired with Napa wines makes for the perfect end to your day.

 Sources:

1. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g580460-s409/Napa-Valley:California:First.Time.Visitors.html

2. http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/canapasonoma/ss/when-to-go-to-napa-valley.htm