Is wine country packed and pricey in the fall - specifically early October? Thinking about a honeymoon there this year. thanks

Weekends are always crowded in Napa--October could be crush time--busy time for the wineries. Calistoga is fun--mud baths, etc. Sonoma is always great.

If your wedding is on the weekend and your honeymoon is during the week you could be in for a really great time in Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley. The weather is quite nice in early october and weekdays always bring better pricing.

October is beautiful weather and everybody enjoys the crush season, check out the Carneros Inn in Napa new resort that looks REALLY nice. BOOK AHEAD!! Go for it!

We went in October a couple years ago and it was fabulous.

we have two weeks. We'll probably fly in Sunday or Monday, stay in San Francisco a couple days at one end of the trip. Should we rent a car? Bring a jacket? Are there wine tasting classes? I'm so curious about the area - I don't know where to start!
Thanks for your help

I would tell you to start by going to the Library and getting a tour book of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. If you don't know anything about wine and want a lovely honeymoon, do not stay in central Napa Valley. Tastings are expensive, wineries are crowded, rooms and meals are high. Consider Sonoma Valley, or consider a few days in a coastal area such as Mendocino- very romantic. If you do stay in Napa, I like Calistoga. We've stayed at Cottage Grove Inn (romantic) and just returned from the Foothill House (very nice). Read the reviews on those properties at tripadvisor.com There are classes at Copia, but I think you'd enjoy doing a tour and tasting. What else do you enjoy? There are places in N California to hike, kayak, horseback ride. There are quaint towns, lush valleys, redwoods...so much to see and do. And if you can postpone your honeymoon to the first 2 weeks of November, it's absolutely heaven out there! The colors are spectacular.

Yes rent a car. Not for the all the days you'll be in San Francisco, though - just for outside S.F., the wine country, etc.

Yes bring a jacket. A leather one would be perfect. Early October is "normally" our driest, warmest weather, but there is no "normal" anymore. Nonetheless, there is no October weather here in San Francisco which a sweater and jacket, layered, couldn't handle. Also, nights are almost always cool here.

Crowded or not, we really like the Napa Valley. A lovely place to stay would be the Vintage Inn in Yountville, with rooms done in Country French (large and lovely, with amazing bathrooms). The buffet breakfast would feed a football team many times over, and good restaurants--such as Bistro Jeanty and Bouchon--are within walking distance.

October is a wonderful month in the Napa Valley. The weather is great. A light breeze usually begins around 4 PM and it will cool down considerable. Always bring layers. Depending on your budget, there are many lovely places to stay. Can recommend several if you give a hint of what you are looking for.