Up Valley, Rutherford Hill Winery has unveiled new Sky Lounges, private tasting decks perched 400 feet above the valley floor with panoramic vineyard views. Meanwhile, in St. Helena, the beloved V. Sattui Winery — a favorite of walk-in visitors and families — has undergone its first major renovation in 50 years, debuting a 8,000-square-foot marketplace, deli, and tasting room complete with 200 cheeses and a Salumeria influenced by Michelin-starred Chef Stefano Masanti, among other concepts. Adding to the area’s vibrant tasting scene, Royal We Wines opened its collective tasting room helmed by acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown—renowned for crafting over 25 100-point wines.
Save the Date: The Napa Valley Standard, a new culinary festival being teased this fall and officially launching in 2026, spotlighting the chefs, winemakers, and hospitality visionaries who continue to power Napa’s creative cool.
Why Go Now: Winter
Through the vines lie dormant, winter in Napa Valley is a serene and golden season, when the landscape is at its most tranquil and uncrowded. Known as Cabernet Season—the time between harvest and spring bud break—the Valley slows down and showcases its signature varietal through intimate tastings, cozy winery experiences, and winemaker dinners. This quieter period offers early access to new releases, more approachable hotel rates, and easier-to-secure reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants. With winemakers readily available, visitors can also enjoy behind-the-scenes barrel tastings and blending sessions.
And following Napa Valley’s bustling harvest season, January marks the start of wild mustard season, when an explosion of bright yellow blooms carpets the vineyards and signals the approach of spring. Top viewing usually occurs mid-February, as the fields come alive with color. For photography lovers, there are a handful of spots in the Valley that are especially photo-opp ready, like Newell Open Space Preserve, a 642-acre park set among the mountains, or Laird Family Estate, a winery offering sweeping panoramic views of Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Mustard Celebration officially kicks off on January 17, 2026, hosted at Silverado Resort with pours from Napa Valley wineries and snacks with a mustard-inspired twist.
Adding to the winter magic, the Napa Valley Lighted Art Festival (January 17–February 15, 2026) transforms downtown Napa into an open-air gallery with illuminated sculptures, 3D projections, and interactive installations by local and international artists—best explored after a day of tasting or spa time.
Beyond the vines, the surrounding Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges are laced with hiking and biking trails. With daytime temperatures hovering in the mid-60s, it’s also an ideal time to explore the 5,000 acres protected by the Napa Valley Land Trust.
