Throughout the fall, it's almost always warm enough in the Napa Valley to walk around with a jacket? Even in mid-November, temperatures in this Mediterranean-like climate typically stay in the sixties. So that leaves plenty of things to do in Napa Valley to enjoy one of America's most awe-inspiring wine-country destinations inside and out.
What is that smell? That's a great question and as you traverse up and down the Napa Valley you will soon find out it's the smell of harvest. It's the fruit, the yeast, the dust, a faint vinegar and the fall breeze all combine into an aroma you truly only find here. It's also the aroma of activity at the wineries. Grapes are being sorted and crushed, barrels and fermentation tanks are being filed and arranged and with an "All Hands On Deck" approach at the wineries to capture poetry in the bottle.
In an around Calistoga visit some of our favorite wineries including Chateau Montelena, Bennett Lane, and Clos Pegase. Call ahead to reserve your tasting as many of the wineries in the valley appreciate a heads up that you are coming to visit.
For your next bucket list item the Napa Valley Wine Train and Castello Di Amorosa are a must. Hop off the train at Grgich Hills Estate and right into a barrel to crush some grapes! After a delicious gourmet lunch roll your pants up for a signature fall stomp and savor a selection of reserve wines on Grgich Hills' Charming outdoor patio. The Castello di Amorosa is the realization of an all-consuming passion. Fourth generation winemaker Dario Sattui built an authentically styled 13th century Tuscan castle winery to honor his Italian heritage and deep love for medieval architecture.
While in Calistoga stroll along Lincoln Avenue "Calistoga's Main Street" and try some cool wines and play some pinball at Tank Garage. The are boutique wineries and wineries that are boutiques, Picayune Cellars their collections are eclectic, unique and they all have a story. If a curated collection of spirits is your thing stop in to Papa Lou's Wine & Spirits for hard to find single batch whiskys and bourbons.
A newcomer to an old building the Calistoga Depot is being painstakingly renovated by well known vintner and entrepreneur Jean-Charles Boissett and his team that breathed new life into Oakville Grocery. Depot Provisions features world-class cheese, charcuterie, and prepared foods including wood-fired pizzas, artisan sandwiches, locally-roasted coffee, and baked goods all sourced with an emphasis on local, sustainable, and organically-produced ingredients. Depot Provisions also sells wines hailing from Calistoga and the surrounding Napa Valley.
For more information on Thing To Do in Calistoga and the Napa Valley this fall go to Visit Calistoga and Visit Napa Valley. We hope you have an enjoyable harvest season.