(Photo Credit: Mark Fang)
Napa Valley is world-famous for its wine, and there’s no better time to visit than during the summer. Summertime in Napa Valley means warm weather, sunny skies, vineyards in bloom, and plenty of fun wine-related events!
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In this article, we will highlight nine of the best wineries to visit in Napa during the summer. Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a fun day trip, these wineries have summer events that are sure to please!
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a trip to Napa in the summer, make reservations for accommodation and transportation at least 3–4 months ahead of time. Summer is peak season in Napa, and hotels may cost a great deal more if you don’t reserve early.
(Photo Credit: Mark Fang)
1. Alpha Omega Winery
Alpha Omega Winery is a must-visit for any wine lover. This family-owned winery produces some of the finest wines in Napa Valley, and their summer events are not to be missed. They are located right off Route 29 (main road in Napa) and the outdoor terrace has a wonderful view of their fountain and vineyards.
During the summer, Alpha Omega Winery hosts a variety of events including barbecue wine pairings, Italian wine pairing dinners, and a national Hispanic heritage celebration. All of their events are seated, but they always have live music. Be prepared to dance the night away!
They have one of my favorite summer events on June 18, their Luau on the Lawn. Hawaii in Napa! You’ll be served their award-winning, delicious wines and dine on Polynesian-inspired cuisine as a Polynesian dance troupe performs in front of you.
(Photo Credit: Mark Fang)
2. Beringer Vineyards
Beringer Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley, and it is a true reflection of its rich history.
It’s one of my favorite wineries to visit during the summer because of its layout and the many different tasting experiences to choose from.
There is a Backyard Social which involves exclusive seating in the Beringer Backyard and access to their bocce ball court, as well as a bottle of wine per every four guests and a deluxe charcuterie board. It’s just a wonderful way to be outside and enjoy the summer weather.
Beringer also offers a self-guided tour to learn more about its 145-year-old winemaking history, which includes access to the historic wine-aging cave while sipping a glass of wine. This is a brief 10–15 minute stroll, but you can enjoy the flexibility of not having a time limit to explore the estate’s grounds, as well as engage with the seven QR codes located throughout the property to learn more about the winery.
(Photo Credit: Mark Fang)
3. Cakebread Winery
Cakebread is a family-owned winery that has been producing world-class wines for over 40 years. Cakebread is the perfect place to enjoy the summer weather with an outdoor seating area and newly-renovated tasting rooms.
Summer Fri-Yay! is what they call their fantastic summer events on select Fridays. During these events, enjoy casual wine and food pairings with music, lawn games, and beautiful Napa Valley vistas.
Check out their Sustainable Wines & Vines Tour! A wine tour of their home estate vineyards will be part of the experience. They’ll point out recycled materials used in the construction of their facilities and discuss leading water and energy conservation technologies. And you’ll also be able to visit the production facility to learn all about their winemaking techniques. Plenty of wine is poured throughout the tour!
Pro Tip: This is approximately a 1-hour tour (about a half-mile walk).
4. Mumm Winery
Nothing says summer like refreshing Sparkling wine! Mumm Winery is one of the premier producers of sparkling wine in Napa Valley. Their vineyards are located in the Rutherford AVA and they also produce delicious sparkling rosés and Blanc de Blanc champagnes that are perfect for summer sipping.
Mumm Winery has a beautiful patio that overlooks the estate vineyards and they offer a variety of seated outdoor tastings — a beautiful location to just sit and enjoy cold and crisp sparkling wines with a Napa Valley view.
(Photo Credit: Paraduxx Winery)
5. Paraduxx Winery
Paraduxx is part of the Duckhorn Wine Company. They are known for their delicious red blends, and their summer events are the perfect way to enjoy them — great for those who want to enjoy red wines in the summertime. Plus, they have a lovely outdoor area to relax and soak up the sun.
On August 6, sample the world’s diversity through food and wine during Paraduxx’s annual outdoor Live Fire Roast. Live fire cooking is the ultimate mastery of temperature control to bring out texture and flavor. The seasoned wood and the earthy tones from cooking over a fire are complemented by the Paraduxx wine blends.
(Photo Credit: Charles Krug)
6. Charles Krug Winery
Charles Krug Winery is one of the most historic wineries in Napa Valley. The winery was founded in 1861 by Charles Krug and is now owned and operated by the family of Peter Mondavi, Sr.
The beautiful grounds of Charles Krug are perfect for summer picnics. There is a large outdoor area called the Great Lawn that’s perfect for enjoying a summer day.
And during the summer, they have the Summer Concert Series co-produced by Blue Note Napa. The Blue Note Napa is a renowned jazz club in Napa where you can see performances by both national and local Bay Area artists.
Enjoy an afternoon or evening of world-class wine and live music on a scenic lawn. The concert series features a different musical act each week, so there is sure to be something for everyone!
Pro Tip: They are one of the few family-friendly wineries in Napa. They specialize in large group tastings of 13 or more guests. Bring the entire family and enjoy!
(Photo Credit: Merryvale Vineyard)
7. Merryvale Winery
Merryvale Winery, located in picturesque St. Helena, is the first winery constructed in Napa Valley following Prohibition’s repeal in 1933. It has since become a signature stop for wine drinkers visiting the region.
Their Music on the Terrace Series is a perfect way to enjoy summer afternoons. Every first and third Friday from May through October, they offer live music and delicious food trucks to pair with their lovely wines. There will be a new artist and a different food truck each week. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful outdoor terrace at Merryvale Vineyards.
On August 6, they have a lobster feed event that I highly recommend. Guests will be treated to live music and Merryvale wines as they enjoy a rustic and delectable seafood meal of large prawns, Louisiana hot links, potatoes, corn, onions, artichokes, sourdough baguettes, and of course, fresh Maine lobster!
(Photo Credit: Mark Fang)
8. Rombauer Vineyards
Rombauer Vineyards is a family-owned winery that has been producing award-winning wines for over 30 years.
Rombauer has one of the most beautiful vistas in Napa Valley. The tasting room is perched on a hill with panoramic views of the vineyards. Outdoor tables are perfect for the summertime and can be reserved for groups of 5–8 people.
Pro Tip: Make sure to try their chardonnay and zinfandel — especially their Fiddletown zinfandel! They produce one of the most outstanding and well-known wines for both of these varietals produced in Napa Valley.
(Photo Credit: Mark Fang)
9. Frank Family Vineyards
Frank Family Vineyards is a family-owned-and-operated winery that was founded in 1992. They’ve were named “Best Napa Tasting Room” in the 2022 Best of Napa Valley Readers’ Choice Awards.
During the summer, you can enjoy the weather from the comfort of your private table on the back patio or shaded courtyard. The ambiance makes you feel as though you are in your own backyard, spending quality time with your friends and family.
For their wine tastings, they provide a wide range of wines to enjoy, including sparkling, white, and red varieties.
They also have a couple of summer events at their winery, from a live-fire barbecue dinner on Father’s Day to a chardonnay and lobster event in August.
Pro Tips
Visiting Napa During The Summertime
Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and lots of water. The sun can be intense, especially when you are out tasting wine all day! The summer months range from warm to hot in Napa, with average temperatures ranging from 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit.
However, temperatures will almost always drop considerably during the evenings, usually to the mid-50s and even the low 40s, regardless of how hot it is during the day. If you are heading to an outdoor evening event, you may want to bring a jacket or cardigan.
Know Before You Go
Make reservations in advance for tasting room visits and events. Many popular wineries book up weeks or even months in advance, especially during the summertime.
If you go on a wine tour through the vineyards, be sure your footwear is suitable for soft dirt, gravel, and dusty roads.
When scheduling your visit, keep traffic in mind. There are two major thoroughfares (Route 29 and Silverado Trail) that will be congested with traffic from Yountville to St. Helena. Allow some time to travel between each winery you visit.
Summer is the perfect time to visit Napa Valley and enjoy all that the region has to offer. From live music and gourmet food trucks to beautiful outdoor picnic areas, there is something for everyone at these top wineries. Make sure to add these wineries to your list of places to visit this summer in Napa!
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