Winery Tours, Where to Start
There are too many wineries to see in one trip. In fact, there are many to see in two visits. Research the wineries on the internet, pick out the wineries you would like and visit and go from there. Three to four wineries a day is a good viable limit. Most wineries are open 10 am to 4:30 pm. Some of the wineries may have extended hours during the summer. A few newer wineries may have free tastings and tours. Tasting fees normally range from $5 to $25. If you're on a paid wine tasting and tour, tastings are usually included with the tour fee. If you're on a short weekend trip or planning to visiting more than three or four wineries in a day, it may be wise to rent a limousine for the day and have a safe blast.

Planning to visit Napa Valley but just not sure when to go? There are great year-round reasons and seasons to visit Napa Valley. The best time depends on what you want from your vacation in Wine Country.

Summer is of course, the busiest and best for many including families. Who doesn't like Summer and all the pampering possibilities of a spa, a scenic wine tasting tour, and a wonderful dinner at one of Napa's world renowned restaurants. And recreational possibilities like biking or hiking on one of the many hillsides or kayaking down the Russian River or a hot air balloon ride.

Fall with it's glorious colors of change approaching, is a picture to behold. Even in late fall Napa Valley experiences Indian Summers where it can be well into the upper 80s or low 90s up to the middle of October. You can still have great fun time and with fewer people to share it with.

This time of the year is special as well. Grapes are being crushed for wine making. Some wineries give tours this time of the year as well. Try to find a winery offering barrel tastings.

Winter, despite the potential for rain, which is less than 24 inches per year, is still a sight to behold. In January mustard greens begin to grow. Their brilliant yellow flowers against the bright green grasses and studded with the dark brown color of grapevines lends to a beautiful sight across all the hillsides.

Spring is always a great time of the year in Napa Valley. The air is fresh and sweet, the grapevines are bursting, and the trees are blooming bright colors of  pink, yellow and white, and the cycle fo Napa Valley begins once again.