Napa Valley in Summer: 18 Best Things to Do & What to Pack

If you close your eyes and imagine Napa Valley, with rolling hills blanketed in bright green vines, sun-drenched afternoons, and clusters of grapes ripening on the vine, that is Napa in the summer. And it is absolutely stunning.

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve had the chance to visit Napa dozens of times throughout the year, and summer always brings its own kind of energy. There’s a buzz in the air as harvest season approaches, winemakers start prepping, the vines are heavy with fruit, and there’s anticipation that locals and visitors alike look forward to every year.

That said, summer is also peak season in wine country. You’ll notice higher hotel rates, busier restaurants and tasting rooms, and the need to book reservations well in advance. And yes, it can get really hot!

But don’t worry, that’s exactly why I put together this guide: to help you navigate the summer crowds, beat the heat, and even save a little money along the way (psst it’s with the Priority Wine Pass 🍷).

18 Best Things To Do & Events in Napa Valley in Summer

Napa Valley is a year-round destination, and while any time of the year is a great time to visit, my personal favorite season is spring.

But summer in Napa definitely has its moment, and for good reason. It’s a lively season packed with sunshine, exciting events, and the buzz of harvest season just around the corner.

There’s so much to do in Napa Valley, but this guide covers all the fun stuff you’ll definitely want to add to your summer bucket list.

1. Wine Tasting With a View

Wine tasting is a must on any wine country itinerary, and in the summer, there’s nothing better than sipping on a patio with a view. One of my favorites is Barnett Vineyards, perched at the top of Spring Mountain, it has one of the best views in the valley.

If you’re planning a summer visit, be sure to book your wine tasting reservations as early as possible, ideally at least 3 months in advance. It’ll make building out your itinerary much smoother and ensure you don’t miss out on your top picks.

Afternoon temperatures can get pretty sweltering in the summer (85–90°F and up), so I recommend scheduling outdoor tastings on the valley floor for earlier in the day. Save mountain wineries or indoor tastings for the afternoon, it’s usually much cooler at higher elevations.

Some of my favorite wineries with gorgeous outdoor tastings:

• Amizetta Vineyards: one of the BEST views in Napa, overlooks the valley and Lake Hennessey
• Barnett Vineyards: Another phenomenal view at your private table that sits overlooking the valley floor.
• Quintessa: Private tastings in an open-air pavilion with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking panoramic vineyard views.
• Far Niente Winery: Property that looks like a fairytale, with its breathtaking gardens, sweeping vineyards, and historic wine caves.
• Round Pond Estate: A stunning property where your tasting can take place on the terrace or a table among their vineyards.
• Jospeh Phelps Vineyards: Breathtaking views of their vineyards from the patio.

2. Book a Private Driver for the Day

Instead of relying on Uber every day or assigning someone in your group to be the designated driver, consider booking a private tour or a designated driver for the day. Trust me it is worth it, we did with a group of friends for my husband’s birthday and had a blast.

Having a driver takes the pressure off, you can relax, stay on schedule, and enjoy your tastings safely. Many private drivers will even help you plan your itinerary and share insider tips along the way.

You definitely don’t need a driver every single day, but it’s a great idea for the day you have the busiest tasting schedule or plan to visit mountain wineries (Ubers do not pick up here).

✅ 🚗 Ditch the group debate over who’s driving, book a designated driver who’ll drive your car and help plan an epic itinerary. Mention me + use code DDNS to get a free Unwined Gift Kit 🎁 with your tour.

3. Enjoy a Sunset Dinner With a View

Nothing says summer to me more than enjoying a delicious dinner with a golden sunset and a glass of wine in hand. And of course, a gorgeous view wouldn’t hurt either.

A lot of restaurants in Napa Valley offer stunning alfresco dining, but some of my favorites that also have an incredible view are:

• Auberge du Soleil Restaurant: Hands down the BEST restaurant with a view in Napa, features breathtaking vistas that stretch across the valley and the Mayacamas Mountains.
• Angele Restaurant & Bar: French restaurant situated along the riverfront in downtown Napa
• Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch: The grounds are simply stunning, blooming gardens, rich greenery, and breathtaking views of the vineyards
• Brix Restaurant: Be sure to grab an outdoor table, it’s the best way to take in the lovely garden views with the mountains as your backdrop.
• Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery: For craft beer, yummy food, and live music on their lovely patio.
• Bistro Don Giovanni: A cozy Italian restaurant that overlooks vineyards.

4. Soar Above Vineyards on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Riding in a hot air balloon is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Napa Valley, and it definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list!

Flights lift off just after dawn, giving you front-row seats to a breathtaking sunrise as you float above rolling vineyards, winding roads, and iconic wine country scenery. It’s an incredible way to start your day in Napa.

In Napa and the San Francisco Bay Area, we do have a little thing called June Gloom, where many mornings between the months of June through September have morning fog.

That’s why I recommend booking with Napa Valley Aloft (especially in the summer). Unlike some other companies, they have access to an alternate launch site at a higher elevation, which means less fog and a better chance of flying on clear mornings.

✅ You can book your once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon experience with Napa Valley Aloft here

5. Spend the Afternoon By the Pool

Make the most out of your summer stay in Napa Valley and book a hotel with a pool. After a full day of wine tasting in the sun, there’s nothing better than cooling off and unwinding poolside.

We’ve stayed at The Meritage Resort & Spa, which has a great pool, and you can order drinks and food while you lounge.

If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, check out ResortPass for day access to local resorts. Tip: If you are going to do this, I would head to Calistoga and soak in one of their famous mineral pools!

My rec’s for the best hotels with a pool in Napa:

• Downtown Napa: The Westin Verasa Napa, The Meritage Resort & Spa
• Yountville: Napa Valley Lodge, Maison Fleurie, North Block Hotel
• St. Helena: Harvest Inn, Rancho Caymus Inn, Alila Napa Valley
• Calistoga: Indian Springs Resort & Spa, Solage, An Auberge Resort, The Inn on Pine

🍷 Wine Gal Tip: Archer in downtown Napa is a fantastic hotel to stay at for your first time in Napa. However, they do not have a pool, it is more of water deck where you can lounge.

6. Morning Bike Ride Through Vineyards

Start your day by enjoying Napa’s gorgeous summer weather and rent a bike to explore wine country. Napa Valley Bike Tours is the company I personally recommend, they have convenient locations in Downtown Napa, Yountville, and St. Helena, so it’s easy to find a starting point that works for you.

They offer both bike and e-bike rentals, as well as a variety of tours, from guided tours, a self-guided route, or just cruising around on your own.

The guided tours are especially fun because they include stops at smaller, off-the-beaten-path wineries that you might not find on your own.

✅ Check rates & availability for a Napa Valley bike tour, wine tasting, & lunch here

7. Soak in a Mineral Hot Spring & Mud Bath in Calistoga

Calistoga is renowned for its mineral hot springs, known for their many healing benefits that help soothe the body and relax your mind for the day.

Many of the pools offer a range of temperatures, so you can either cool off or unwind in a warm spring hovering around 95°F, perfect after a day of wine tasting or biking.

• Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs: Offers three pools with three different temperatures. You can get a day pass here to use the amenities and pools.

• Indian Springs: Offers two mineral pools, but only for spa and hotel guests. If you are a hotel guest, you can take a relaxing moonlit night swim, the pools are open until midnight!
  
• Spa Solage: A luxurious spa in Calistoga, has multiple geothermal pools that range from icy cold to a toasty 103 °F. If you are not a guest at Solage, you can get a day pass and enjoy the geothermal pools with a minimum of a 60-min massage (+ access fee).

Most spas also offer mud baths, using mineral-rich volcanic ash that also has therapeutic benefits. A great spot to go is the Golden Haven Spa, they offer a couples and friends special and can accommodate up to 4 people in a mud bath experience. Don’t worry, you get your own mud bath!

8. Stomp Grapes During Harvest Season

August kicks off Napa Valley’s harvest season, the most exciting and anticipated time of the year! Grapes have reached peak ripeness and are ready to be picked. Harvest typically runs from August through October in Napa, starting with grapes for white and sparkling wines, and finishing with red wine varieties.

During this time, you’ll notice a real buzz around the valley, wineries come alive with grape stomping events, harvest dinners, and festive celebrations.

If you want to join in the fun, check out the annual grape stomping events at wineries like V. Sattui, Bouchaine Vineyards, and Grgich Hills

9. Frosé All Day

Frosé is on tap during the summer months at Oakville Grocery! It’s the perfect spot to stop for a refreshing slushy frosé and a casual and delicious lunch.

They have many yummy lunch options made with fresh local ingredients, like artisan sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, salads, and desserts. It’s fun to browse the store too, but afterwards, grab your lunch (and frosé!) and enjoy it on their sunny outdoor patio.

🍷 Wine Gal Tip: Oakville Grocery is a popular spot, if you are visiting on a weekend, I suggest arriving before the lunch rush or ordering online in advance.

10. Sip on Some Bubbles

Another thing that just screams summer to me is relaxing under the warm sun with a refreshing glass of rosé, sparkling, or white wine. I recommend mixing things up by adding a winery that specializes in sparkling wines to your itinerary, there are some fantastic ones in Napa.

The top one I recommend is Schramsberg, they offer an incredible wine cave tour that’s truly a must-do. Another great option is Domaine Carneros, a gorgeous French château that feels like a little slice of Europe in Napa.

11. Drinks on a Rooftop Bar

Enjoy some delicious cocktails, bites, and views at Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar. Located on the rooftop of the Archer Hotel in downtown Napa.

Tip: stop by for some pre dinner drinks right at sunset. Archer Hotel is also a fantastic hotel, if you plan to stay in downtown Napa.

12. Fun on the Napa River

Downtown Napa is home to the scenic Napa River, and it’s a wonderful spot to spend some time on the water.

You can rent a kayak or paddleboard, join a guided tour, or enjoy the peaceful surroundings by fishing or birdwatching. There are also beautiful trails you can walk along the riverfront.

If you’re visiting with your special someone, there is a romantic cruise you can book on an authentic Venetian gondola.

13. Beat the Heat with Sweet Treats

Ice cream always hits the spot on a hot summer day. It’s the perfect way to cool down and treat yourself to something sweet!

Pop into Erosion Tap House in St. Helena, and create your own ice cream flight! They have yummy and fun flavors like campfire with toasted marshmallows and apple crisp.

Or you can take it up a notch and order their wine or beer float, a scoop of your choice of ice cream with either combined with wine or beer.

14. Savor Napa Valley’s Summer Flavors

Honestly, you can enjoy exceptional cuisine in Napa Valley any time of year. Alongside its world-class wine, Napa is also renowned for its incredible culinary scene.

In fact, the town of Yountville has the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in such a small area anywhere in the world.

Napa is also known for its farm-to-table dining, with many restaurants showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients. In the summer months, expect vibrant flavors from sweet stone fruits, juicy tomatoes, summer squash, crisp peppers, and sweet corn.

Some of my favorite farm to table restaurants to recommend are Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, The Charter Oak, and Brix Restaurant.

15. Attend a Napa Summer Festival

Check out some of Napa’s exciting concerts and festivals happening over the summer months.

• Festival Napa Valley: A celebration of music, food, wine, and art with various live concerts, films, and events at the wineries throughout the month. July 5–20, 2025
• Music in the Vineyards: Throughout the month of August, attend the renowned chamber music festival that features talented musicians in a small and intimate setting in Napa Valley. August 1-24th, 2025

16. Hike or Explore Outdoors

One of my favorite things to do in wine country, besides wine tasting, is to explore the outdoors by going on a nearby hike. It’s a great way to start the day and unplug with nature.

• Bothe-Napa Valley State Park: Walk along trails with beautiful giant costal redwoods
• The Petrified Forest: Step back in time and explore a grove of 3.4 million-year-old petrified redwood trees, an incredible geological wonder.
• Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park: Visit a beautifully restored water-powered mill from the 1800s.
• Skyline Wilderness Park: Discover scenic hiking and biking trails with sweeping views of Napa Valley’s rolling hills and countryside.
• Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve: Located in Sonoma, this awe-inspiring redwood forest offers peaceful trails among some of the tallest trees on Earth.

🍷 Wine Gal Tip: Pick up some snacks or sandwiches from Oakville Grocery for a mini picnic on your hike.

17. Take a Refreshing Dip at Lake Berryessa

One of Napa’s best kept secrets is Lake Berryessa, one of the largest freshwater lakes in California!

Spend a hot summer day here with family and friends, enjoying waterskiing, swimming, tubing, boating, kayaking, or fishing.

18. Shop & Stroll Through Napa Valley

Take a break in between wine tastings and make time to explore some of the charming downtown areas in Napa Valley. Each one has its own unique personality, and discovering them is one of my favorite parts of visiting the valley.

Downtown Napa: lots of tasting rooms, restaurants, and the famous Oxbow Public Market, definitely a must-visit. I love strolling along the scenic Napa River, or you can check out the rotating art installations on the Napa Artwalk.

Yountville: You’ll find tasting rooms, iconic restaurants, Bouchon Bakery (I never skip it), boutique shops, and a collection of public art along the Yountville Art Walk that winds through town.

St. Helena: A historic main street full of galleries, shops, and cozy cafés. It’s also home to the original Model Bakery, their English muffins live up to the hype! And the Cameo Cinema, California’s oldest continuously operating single-screen movie theater

Calistoga: Calistoga has a laid-back vibe, browse local shops, go thrifting, or visit the free Sharpsteen Museum. Unwind with a mud bath at the Roman Spa, then grab a bite at Calistoga Depot and check out their restored train car next door for artisan chocolates or a wine tasting.

Don’t Miss These Summer Events in Napa

Mark your calendar for these fun summer events in Napa Valley! These dates are for the 2025 calendar year.

June

• Calistoga Summer in the Vineyards Passport (discounts at particpating wineries) June 12, 2025 – August 17, 2025
• Calistoga Concerts in the Park: Every Thursday, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM June 12 – August 14, 2025
• Auction Napa Valley: Get the opportunity to taste and purchase remarkable wines and unique experiences at the Auction Napa Valley. Proceeds go to supporting the community and Napa’s youth. June 6th – June 7th
  

July:

• Festival Napa Valley events all month long
• Hot Havana Nights at Castello di Amoroso July 26, 2025

August:

• The start of Harvest Season, stay tuned for events and harvest dinners at the wineries.
• Music in the Vineyards, August 1-24th, 2025

Tips to Saving Money in Napa Valley in the Summer

Summer lodging in Napa can nearly double in price. Since you’ll spend most of your time out exploring, accommodations are a smart place to save, just aim for something comfortable and well-located.

• You’ll find more affordable hotels in either Calistoga or downtown Napa
• American Canyon offers the most budget friendly options, however, it’s about a 40 minute drive from central Napa and will require extra driving to the wineries.
• If you can book with points, there are Marriotts and Hyatts in Napa
• Visit during the week for lower rates, also a midweek visit will help with your wine tasting & dinner reservations.

Save Money on Tastings & Stay with The Priority Wine Pass

Another great way to save in Napa Valley is by purchasing the Priority Wine Pass, and the best part is, couples only need one. It offers perks like 2-for-1 tastings at select wineries and discounts on experiences like the Wine Train, bike tours, and even hot air balloon rides.

You’ll also find hotel discounts, especially in downtown Napa, which can really help cut costs during peak season. You easily get your money’s worth, and then some, especially with my coupon code.

✅ Snag the Priority Wine Pass and $20 off with my coupon code here!

What to Wear For a Summer Napa Trip

Napa Valley style year-round is best described as “wine country casual.” In the summer, think flowy sundresses, linen pants or jumpsuits, shorts, or a skirt and sleeveless top are all great options.

Tip: If you tend to get cold, bring a light sweater or jacket to your wine tastings, wine caves can be chilly, even in the summer.

Match your wine tasting outfit with sandals, flats, tennis shoes, or a small block-heel. Many tastings include tours through vineyards, so you’ll want something comfortable for walking on grass, gravel, or cobblestone.

For men, my husband usually wears a lightweight button-down shirt or polo with nice shorts.

At night for your dinner reservations, a pair of jeans or a long dress works well, and definitely bring a sweater or light jacket, it cools down quite a bit at night.

Summer Packing List

• Cardigan/Sweater/Jean Jacket for early mornings and nights
• Sun Dresses, skirts, light pants, shorts for wine tastings
• Comfortable Shoes: Flats, sandals, low block heels, or cute tennis shoes are perfect.
• Sneakers for walking around town
• Jeans with a sweater for dinner.
• Bathing suit if you plan on visiting one of Calistoga’s mineral pools!
• Reusable water bottle a must to stay hydrated in between tastings
• Sunscreen, Hat, + Sunglasses for during the day
• Crossbody or small shoulder bag
• Advil and electrolyte powder you’ll thank me later! Tastings add up way quicker than you think.

FAQ: Napa Valley in the Summer

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