Yes its way out there but I need a trip to look forward to this year so trying to figure out what that might be...

One of the Napa wineries we're members of has a harvest party the first weekend of October. Anyone been there that time of year? We've been to the area 3x over probably 15 years, so infrequently, and never at that crush/harvest time of year because we've always heard it can be a zoo...

I haven't been in October myself but had clients go there last Oct. Weather couldn't have been more perfect for them.

It's definitely peak season but I think as long as you have things reserved far enough in advance (hotel, tastings, dinner, etc.) it's not prohibitive. I'd suggest 6+ months before especially if you're going to top spots.

Traffic was the worst part, it's notoriously awful during that time.

Happy to answer questions or help if needed.

I've been many times in October. Like the above poster said, book everything early. The weather is great.

That said, I prefer November for visits.the weather is still great, the leaves are changing colors, and it's quiet. But that doesn't align with your harvest party so obviously it doesn't work for you on this trip.

Thanks for the feedback. I suspect that we'd skip busy season and go for a more chilled out time of the year. November sounds great. I wonder when it really slows down. Online looks like crush is kind of through early to mid Oct so would think late Oct / early Nov would be back to normal or even slow (which would be awesome).

We went the last week of October in 2023 ... weather was absolutely amazing. Clear blue skies, highs in the low 70s, etc.

We started planning in July and began making reservations shortly after. We didn't have any problems getting restaurant reservations or tastings even though it was busy when we were there. So you've got a little time.

EclipseAg said:

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We went the last week of October in 2023 ... weather was absolutely amazing. Clear blue skies, highs in the low 70s, etc.

We started planning in July and began making reservations shortly after. We didn't have any problems getting restaurant reservations or tastings even though it was busy when we were there. So you've got a little time.

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How crowded was it that last week in Oct?

It was busy but not overwhelmingly so. Many of the wineries were fully booked and had signs saying "No walk-ins" but the traffic wasn't bad and we were able to get around easily.

We had reservations for just about every meal and all of our tastings, so that helped. Not sure I would head to Napa these days without reservations.

Went through in October in 2010 and it was gorgeous, driving through Sonoma and the Russian River valley - it was like the Shire. We avoided Napa.

If you have time, take the Pacific Coast Highway 1 to Bodega Bay. Nice scenic little coastal village, the movie The Birds was filmed there. Continue on PCH 1 up to Goat Rock State Beach where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the tides, it can be pretty impressive. Get back on PCH 1 and cross the river, very scenic overlook. Go East on Hwy 116 to Guernville. Stop at Safeway for some sandwiches, chips and soda. From there, make your way to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and see the Colonel Armstrong tree, approximately 310 feet tall and over 1400 years old. Consider a tasting at Korbel winery on River Road. From there, continue South on River Road to Hwy 101 above Santa Rosa. From there you can go to Sonoma, Napa or San Francisco. Before you reach Hwy 101, you could visit the Pacific Coast Air Museum at Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport.