Rain or Shine - Enjoy Napa Valley

Any time can be a good time for fun things to do in Napa Valley. Even during the gloomier seasons of the year. The winter season in Northern California may not be the typical snowy winter and the beginning of spring isn’t as cold as most places. But Napa Valley occasionally experiences rains and showers around this time. If your scheduled trip to Napa meets an unexpected downpour, you don't have to turn your car around and drive home - you'll still find a wonderful time in Napa Valley even during a rainy day.

Staying indoors is an important aspect of rainy seasons. Find a hotel or inn with a nice, warm bed, a private tub with a warm water to soak the rainy day blues away, and a private fireplace where you can sit beside to warm yourself up while sipping a famous Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. The great news is you'll find plenty of discounted hotel rates in the winter/early spring as this season the cooler months are Napa's lowest in tourism. A hotel you're having trouble reserving for the summer suddenly becomes cheaper and more available.

The chilly, wet days are also great days for warm and hearty meals. And you'll have no trouble finding delicious comfort foods in Napa as the region is brimming with restaurants that go from a Michelin-starred fine dining spot down to a trendy joint which serves up hefty organic burgers or a freshly brewed coffee. The wineries are open year long and as tastings are done indoors, you won’t have a problem finding your favorite wines. Each winery is unique both in their wines and their buildings – from Italian castles like Castello do Amorosa to modern artistic structures like Artesa.

It might surprise you, but you can even do some extreme sports in the middle of the rain showers. Take zip lining through the tall redwood trees - while this activity is usually done on a clear, sunny day, doing this as the rain pours down can also be an exhilarating experience!

What else does a lazy rainy day in Napa urge you to do? Relax and luxuriate yourself at a spa! Although there are a lot of cities in the area with their own spa and massage establishments, Calistoga is one of the best places to go. This city is known for its natural hot springs, so you'll find plenty of spas, massage and wellness places there to refresh, rejuvenate, indulge and get pampered.

To be honest, Napa Valley isn't a place where you'll find a bad season. But the summer tends to be the most popular. Summer in Napa means flocking by the Lake Berryessa or the Napa River. Choose from activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, volleyball, boating, or just having a picnic or relaxing on the beach. There are several marinas at the shoreline that provide boating rentals and other accommodations. Summertime is also a peak time for outdoor entertainment, such as series of late afternoon to evening concerts in Calistoga during this very season. Bring your blankets, picnic munchies, portable chairs and tables, and celebrate the summer with music and camaraderie. Great for families and friends! Sunny days are also great for biking, hiking, golfing, or simply exploring in Napa. Autumn is another great time for Napa as the weather is cooler but still sunny. Surround yourself with the beautiful changing colors of the season and discover the full, ripened grapes ready for harvesting, as well as the act of the harvesting itself.

A clear, sunny day is also a great day for a hot air balloon ride. This is best done when the sun has just started to shine and the Napa fields are going to see the light! Get settled into the basket, lift off, and effortlessly drift over the picturesque or "Instagram-worthy" Napa fields - the trim, clean rows of vineyards, green and rolling hills, deep valleys, and the wonderful natural colors no matter the season especially when basked under the rising sun. Waking up to such an adventure couldn't be any more fun, special or memorable, with a Napa Valley balloon ride.

This is especially true when you opt for a dependable hot air balloon operator like Balloons Above the Valley (BATV). We have over 40 years of experience of giving our guests the most memorable time of their Napa visit. We are veterans in entertaining our guests not only by amazing sunrise hot air balloon rides, but also by other activities like post-flight champagne brunch celebrations, pre-flight breakfasts, and wine tours in Napa as well as Sonoma. You can even enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the wineries, shopping, and more sightseeing. Whether you visit the larger wineries or the smaller, boutique counterparts, most of the wineries in the region are family-owned and are ready to showcase their own varietals with pride. If you want a more intimate tasting session, it is wise to book for a place in the tasting rooms in advance. Or pick BATV's tour packages like the Flight + Wine Tour for the complete Napa touring experience – our balloons fly when the weather allows them and this can be year round in Napa! As long as you allow yourself to explore and venture out, you will still be able to enjoy your holiday in Napa whether the day rains or shines.