Napa Valley in January: 8 Best Things to Do in Napa in the Winter

You may be wondering if it is worth planning a trip to Napa Valley in January.

January in Napa presents a different landscape – the quintessential rolling hills of lush vineyards take on a more subdued appearance with their bare, gnarled branches, set against a backdrop of potentially rainy and crisp weather. Also, the energetic harvest season has wound down, leading to a quieter, slower rhythm in the wineries.

Which is why, I have asked Hannah from Plate and Compass to share her experiences planning a winter escape to wine country.

If a weekend in Napa isn’t high on your vacation bucket list, it’s time to bump it toward the top! I have experienced Napa Valley in January, and I can tell you that the winter months promise a unique blend of relaxation and charm, along with many elevated experiences and plenty of activities.

Napa Valley has become a year-round dream destination for foodies, wine-lovers, romantics, and memorable girl’s trips.

The Top 3 Reasons to Visit Napa in January:

Cheaper rates on accommodations & wine tasting experiences.
Best time to escape the crowds and enjoy a more intimate Napa Valley.
There are tons of activities, events, restaurants, and wine tastings to parktake in.

💰 Want to Save $$ Wine Tasting

If you are looking to save money on wine tasting, the Priority Wine Pass offers significant discounts, including 2-for-1 tastings at select wineries. Plus for the best deal, my readers can get an extra discount with the code TTWT.

Is it Worth Going to Napa Valley in January?

Even though Napa Valley is most popular in the summer and fall, a visit in January, especially for a first-time trip to Napa Valley, can be an unexpectedly delightful and a fun experience.

If you’re boujee on a budget like me, you’ll quickly notice that staying in Napa can be expensive. There are some great affordable places to stay in Napa Valley, but time of year plays a big factor on the price.

So visiting in January is a great way to save on cost while still enjoying all the beauty that Napa Valley has to offer. I found that there were still plenty of activities, restaurants, tours and tastings to enjoy in January, and it was worth the price savings.

Also, you will experience fewer crowds. So you will have an easier time snagging those wine tasting reservations or dinner reservations at Napa’s most sought after wineries and restaurants.`

But don’t get me wrong, Napa in the spring and summer is divine. If you have your heart set on strolling through picturesque vineyards in a sundress, you may want to save your visit for the spring-early fall.

Tip: Crush Season or Harvest Season in Napa Valley is from August through October. It is a time that is full of celebrations and excitement of picking the ripened grapes from the vineyards. You will find plenty of events at the wineries this time of year.

8 Top Things to Do in Napa Valley in January

1. Book a Wine Tasting Tour

One of the best ways to experience Napa Valley to the fullest is by booking a guided tour. A tour allows you to enjoy wine country in a relaxed and stress-free way. Your tour guide will take care of all of the details for you such as selecting which wineries to visit, booking your tastings, and they will be your designated driver for the day.

This Guided Wine Tour includes a yummy picnic lunch and a visit to three charming wineries handpicked by your expert tour guide. Throughout your tour you will learn interesting facts about the Napa Valley region and wine making process.

I have personally done a guided wine tasting tour through wine country with a group of friends and it was one of my most memorable trips in Napa Valley.

✅ Check rates & availability for the Napa Valley Guided Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch here

2. Visit a Castle Winery

Castello di Amorosa is one of the most magical and unique winery experiences in Napa, and a fan favorite to include in your Napa itinerary.

The castle is an authentically styled Tuscan castle from the 1400s era, and it was done meticulously! You must have a tour/tasting reservation to visit the property. The tour allows you to see everything from the torture chamber to the banquet hall and underground wine tunnels where they barrel and age the wines.

Be sure to add the delicious handmade chocolates for just $7 to your tour tasting reservation! A majority of the tour takes place indoors, so this is a great activity during colder January weather.

3. Take a Picture at the Iconic Napa Sign

The welcoming sign of Napa Valley against a backdrop of vibrant vineyards and clear skies, proclaiming the region as a world-famous wine-growing area, inviting visitors to experience 'bottled poetry'.

There are two identical large “Welcome to Napa Valley” signs which have become a popular photo opportunity and Instagramable moment. You can easily pull off the main highway and park beside the sign while you grab a photo.

The first one is on the northern side of the valley, located just outside Calistoga and south of Castello di Amorosa. The second is located near Oakville, just south of the Robert Mondavi Winery.

4. Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train

A great way to experience the scenery of Napa Valley during colder months is by train!

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a luxurious scenic train ride that starts on the south end of the Valley in the city of Napa. The journey lasts 4 or 8 hours round-trip and goes to Calistoga before returning back to Napa. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea train rides are available making it truly a memorable experience.

There are also several different types of train cars available. The Vista Dome Car is a two-story train with a kitchen below and scenic dining above with curved windows creating a dome effect on the top of the car.

The more classic Gourmet Express cars offer a slower pace and more traditional train experience that feels like stepping back in time.

✅ Check rates & availability for the Napa Valley Wine Train Gourmet Express Lunch or Dinner here

5. Soak in a Natural Hot Spring

Calistoga is home to several natural hot springs, which are perfect for a relaxing day to break up the wine tasting and fine dining. Soaking in a steamy pool during a winter Napa Valley visit is as magical as it sounds. Several of the resorts in Calistoga like Dr Wilkinsons Backyard Resort, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, and Indian Springs feature natural hot springs as amenities for hotel guests.

But if you aren’t staying on property at one of these fabulous (but pricey) resorts, several of them offer day passes or access to the hot springs if you book a spa treatment.

And if you’re really looking to pamper yourself, schedule a signature mud bath treatment at Indian Springs Calistoga which uses pure volcanic ash and mineral water from the geyser on the property.

6. Take a Wine or Culinary Class

A group of people in aprons engaged in a cooking class, preparing fresh ingredients for a meal, a warm indoor activity to enjoy in Napa Valley in January.

I can’t think of a better place to learn about wine or take a cooking class than Napa Valley. These classes are offered in many locations, including the Culinary Institute of America at Greysone (CIA), Napa Valley College, Silverado Cooking School, and Gourmet Retreats. Why not hone your culinary skills or freshen up on your wine knowledge?

7. Dinner at Restoration Hardware

There are many incredible restaurants in Yountville, Napa’s fine dining Mecca. But none is quite as stunning as Restoration Hardware.

The entire dining room is filled with chandeliers, dimly lit olive trees, and a beautiful fountain as a focal point. It’s a must-visit dinner on your trip to Napa Valley, especially if celebrating a special occasion.

8. Visit the Oxbow Public Market

Downtown Napa has a popular public market named the Oxbow Public Market, which is a great spot to find local food stands and shops. The market has a beautiful deck with seating along the Napa River, but the majority of the food options are indoors with indoor seating options, perfect for a January visit.

Bustling interior of the Oxbow Market in Napa Valley with a variety of local cheeses on display, customers browsing, and whimsical flying pig sculptures overhead, embodying the region's gourmet food culture.

Gott’s Roadside is a well-known burger chain in the area and a popular choice at Oxbow Market.

If you’re interested in trying Oprah’s favorite English muffin, stop at Model Bakery in the Oxbow Public Market, or any of their other locations in the Napa Valley.

Events in Napa Valley in January

Farmer’s Markets

There are a few local farmers markets taking place in January in Napa Valley. The Winter Farmer’s Market is held on Fridays at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. The Downtown Napa Farmer’s Market is held on Saturdays year round. And the Calistoga Farmer’s Market is held every Satrurday year-round as well.

Napa Valley Restaurant Week

Although dates may vary year-to-year, you’ll likely be able to participate in Napa Valley’s Restaurant Week event, which runs for 10 days in January. During restaurant week, many of the local restaurants offer exclusive deals on creative menus and dining experiences. It’s a great opportunity to experience Napa dining at a lower price.

The Napa Lighted Art Festival

With dates starting in late January, the annual Napa Lighted Art Festival is a fun free evening activity in Downtown Napa. The art includes lighted art sculptures and projection artwork on several buildings.

The Napa Truffle Festival

If you’re a fan of truffles, the annual Napa Truffle Festival in January is where you’ll want to be. Throughout the festival, you can learn from top chefs how to work and cook with truffles and taste some of the finest truffle dishes, paired with wines of course. You can also learn how the truffles are harvested and meet the trained dogs who find the wild truffles!

Weather in Napa Valley in January

Pack your sweaters! The weather is quite chilly in Napa Valley during the winter months. Average January temperatures in Napa range from 35 to 55 degrees with an average of 8 days of rain throughout the month.

Does it Snow in Napa in January

It rarely snows in Napa Valley in January due to average temperatures sitting just above freezing. So while you might experience some rain, it’s very unlikely to see snow flurries during your visit.

What to Wear to Napa Valley in January

A smiling woman in a cozy mustard cardigan stands among the bare vines of a Napa Valley vineyard in January, capturing the serene beauty of the off-season wine country.

Napa Valley does not have a dress code, but a great rule of thumb is to dress casual but stylish. Be sure to pack plenty of layered clothing including warm sweaters and a coat for your trip to Napa in January.

Long-sleeve shirts and warm shoes like boots are recommended. And nice jeans are acceptable at most wineries. Don’t forget a bathing suit if you plan on soaking in one of the many iconic Calistoga Hot Springs.

Getting Around Napa Valley

Exploring Napa Valley can be done by car, I suggest renting one at one of the nearby airports to the wineries.

However, for a stress-free experience, consider booking wine tours that include transportation. This is especially handy for a Napa day trip, where time is limited.

FAQS: Napa Valley in January

Stone steps leading up to the medieval-style Castello di Amorosa winery in Napa Valley, with its turreted walls and a dramatic sky overhead, a unique blend of history and viticulture to explore in January.

Is Napa warm in January?

Napa is not particularly warm in the month of January. The average temperature in Napa in January is between 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is Napa worth visiting in winter?

Although the weather is cooler, it is still worth visiting Napa in the winter for wine tastings, hot springs, and enjoying the incredible award-winning restaurants in the area.

Napa wineries do not close seasonally, so you can still enjoy the beautiful wineries and incredible tastings all year round. Even driving through Napa Valley in the winter can be a charming experience.

Conclusion: Napa Valley in January

So is planning a trip to Napa Valley in January worth it?

Although Napa is most popular in the fall, a January trip is a great time to visit to experience Napa with less crowds, fun events, and great rates. You can participate in the local restaurant week, visit a farmer’s market, or try local foods at the Oxbow Public Market in Downtown Napa.

The Calistoga Hot Springs hit just right in the winter months and are sure to be a highlight of your trip if you take the plunge. Just remember to pack warm, plan your activities ahead of time, and enjoy all of the beautiful scenery!

This post was written by: Hannah Falkosky from Plate & Compass, a food and travel blog. After quitting her job and spending 8 weeks in Europe on just a few thousand dollars, she found her love for budget travel and sharing tips to help others explore the world. She also spent 15 years working with award-winning chefs and developed a love for artful food and cocktails. Hannah is now based out of Los Angeles, and when she’s not traveling she makes it her mission to explore the best restaurants and cocktail bars while living life to the fullest.