Fall colors in Napa Valley are spectacular especially in November, after the harvest season. Autumn paints the vineyards in gold and fills the eyes of stunning vineyard view with delight.
Napa Valley is one of the most popular destinations in California and is famous for the wonderful scenery and excellent wineries, and the cultural scene in and around the city is great with some amazing art and along with world-renowned food and wine, a series of wonderful activities help to make it one of California’s best destinations for a weekend getaway.
From San Francisco, one hour drive of 60 miles north to Napa and another 20 minutes to Yountville and Oakville, and the region is a popular day trip from the Bay Area.
With all the fall beauty that awaits you in Napa Valley, plus the chance to nosh on the valley’s world-class fall food and wine besides Harvest Festivals and Thanksgiving dinner, November is a wonderful time for a wine country getaway
Tips
Why Fall is best time to visit
Beautiful Fall colors in vineyards & town - best for landscape photography & enjoy food at scenery spots
Harvest Festivals - full list of festival harvest celebrating activities and events
Less crowded & mild weather - less traffic & good for travel, and easier booking & good for budget in late Fall
More wine taste parties and more excellent foodies in menu
How to get there - drive up from San Francisco
Where to stay - book ahead of time a hotel in Yountville
Make reservations for Michelin star restaurants before trip
Napa Valley Fall Color
Along highway 29, the sun-dappled gold vineyards and beautiful wineries along the Silverado Trail make wonderful landscape for photography
Walking through the vineyards surrounded by fall colors to chase the nature of colors is the wonderful experience.
Stunning panoramic vineyard view from top of hill
The breathtaking view of vineyard and valley from top of Rutherford Hill while tasting fine wine and enjoying delicious food.
Auberge du Soleil is one of popular spots in Napa for the best view, fine food and hospitality. The experience of looking out to beautiful vineyard view is incredible while seating on the Patio and enjoying a glass of wine and fine foodies.
Tips
make a reservation ahead of time for a lunch spot on the Patio
prepare gear for landscape photo
full frame camera
wide angle lens
ND filters
tripod (optional)
Sceneries in Sunset & at night
The sunset views in Napa are fabulous beyond imagination, and the richer vivid colors are added to the sceneries just like deeper taste of delicious wine enduring in memories.
Things to do in Napa Fall season
Drive tour Napa valley for fall color scenery
Drive up and down the two main roads that run through the valley to look for color. There are places where you can pull over safely to take photos.
Silverado Trail, the older road, is more scenic and usually much less crowded than California Highway 29. But both roads are great for color. Also explore the smaller roads than connect the two main roads!
Stop by the spectacular view of vineyards glowing with color to take photos, and stunning fall foliage on trees along vineyards make for dramatic displays.
Join a bike tour
Experiencing the vineyards from the seat of a bike is one of the most fun things to in Napa, whether you prefer to rent a bike at Napa Valley Bike Tours and use a route map or would enjoy a guided tour to ride along the completed 12.5 miles of the Napa Valley Vine Trail
Wine Tasting
Most Napa Valley wineries offer tastings in an outdoor setting, on a terrace or a patio, or amidst gardens. So you can enjoy your tasting while soaking in the sun, or, in the evening, by the warmth of patio heaters.
There are lots of wineries in Napa Valley that produce cabernet sauvignon, so you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to tastings.
Savor food at Restaurants
Eating fabulous food is of course one of the best reasons to go to Napa Valley, and there are variety restaurants offering delicious and unique menu from bakery store to Michelin star restaurants.
Many restaurants are open Thanksgiving Day, and offer special menus. But they may have shortened hours, so call ahead if you want to eat at a particular restaurant.
Make reservations for all meals if reservations are accepted: tables tend to fill up way ahead of time.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
When it comes to the best way to see fall color of vineyards, soaring over the hills certainly has to take the cake. Book a sunrise hot air balloon ride for an experience you won’t forget. The highly-rated hot air balloon rides take off from Yountville on clear mornings.
From the air, you have magnificent views of the vineyards below, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Yountville - the heart of Napa Valley
About 10 miles north of Napa, Yountville is situated at the center of Napa Valley, and it’s all about passeggiata – the art of the stroll. Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning tasting rooms, world-class art, fine accommodations, and incredible natural surroundings are all within walking distance. Add a friendly, small-town culture, and you’ll see how Yountville elevates the simple stroll to a place of discovery and fulfillment.
The marketplace of Yountville has some stores of making own chocolate just like arts, wine shops offering wine tasting, and boutique shops
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