Hello, all you informative folks:
I posted a request last week re: a trip to the west coast in October. Itinerary has changed. Now going to San Fran for 4 days, Napa for 4, then on to Vegas for 4. Questions - where to stay in Napa in October that will not cost a fortune? Will it be jam packed for the Crush? Temps for all 3 areas in October? THANKS for your help!

I have nothing specific about Napa for you but do not worry about the crush. The crush dates are more random than anything fixed. It is based on the weather over a 6 month or more growing season.

Book soon. The crush usually is a very busy time in Napa and Sonoma. You will find many places already sold out.

Napa: If you stay during the week you have a much better chance of finding something decent. October is a little easier to get than September. In the past when we tried to get a place in Sept we were told there is an annual pro golf event at the end of Sept and everything is sold out. October can be quite nice until later in the month when you may get sprinkled on and the breezes pick up. At a family wedding October 3 it was 104 so it's hard to predict soem of the temps.

I hope you are coming in early October, because crush dwindles through the month, depending on the weather. Temperatures can be as high as the 90s during the day in October, dropping 35 degrees at night. It is always a good idea to check forecast before you come. Best idea for seeing Napa Valley is to come during the week (Monday-Thursday). See San Fran on weekend when business rush is abated and hotel rates are typically lower.

As for accommodations in Napa, what do you consider "reasonable?" What is reasonable in Napa is outlandish in other areas. Make reservations as soon as you can, because some B&Bs are already booked on certain October weekends.

Not every winery goes into crush at the same time but Sept is when a good portion do. Oct is also busy. You will pay high rates for anything in Sept and early Oct as a result but reserve something soon.

The advice about doing SF on the weekend and Napa/Sonoma midweek cannot be stressed enough. Hotel rates are generally discounted 1/3 or more in the City on weekends, and it might be VERY difficult to find reasonable accomodations in Napa County any weekend through early November.

ttt

Thanks, everybody. Will heed the advice re: San Fran on the weekend, Napa through the week!

October is absolutely the best weather in SF. The fog usually takes a month-long vacation.