OFF season in wine country
 

Hey everyone, can someone tell me what is considered off seaon in wine country, Napa, Sonoma and etc? I am trying to plan a trip for off season to use miles and get a good deal on nightly rates, thanks for any info

Well, actually there is no real "off season" in the California wine season. However, that said, you will run into less crowds in the wintet, probably January to March. Don't count on a deep discount on lodging rates, though.

People do wine tasting year round, you know.

Best time is weekdays. We went in February (weekend)and it was a little rainy - not bad - but the wineries were still pretty busy.

Generally, November through March is the "slower" time. Lodging is a little less expensive, especially on weeknights. One exception would be the week between Xmas and New Year's. This is true for Napa Valley, anyway.

I am aware that people wine taste year around and I am sure some where in the year there is considered an "off season" just wanted to ask the pros...thanks everyone else for the tid bits

I went to Sonoma last year the week between Christmas and New Year's. I thought the area was seriously less crowded than my Memorial Day trip there the previous year.

We were also blessed with fantastic weather!

I'd check the off season winter rates at www.sonomacountyvacations.com If you go mid week in Jan-March you should get a pretty good deal.

That is an awesome site thanks so much!

Yes, the winter season is the slow time of the year in the Napa/Sonoma wine country. Just avoid the weekends especially the holiday ones like MLK and President's and the week between Christmas and New Year's.

There are discounted hotel rates at this time of year and the wineries are far less crowded as are the highways.

Also, February and March may be the prettiest months to see the vineyards. This is when everything is green from the winter rains and the mustard is in bloom.

This is the rainy time of year but wine tasting and touring are just as much fun when it's wet and I find the restaurants very warm and hospitable during inclement weather. Just so long as you don't visit during one of our famous floods which do occur every few years. The last one was on New Year's Eve a couple of years ago.

How does one avoid coming to Napa? It's always great here after enjoying some wine.

Geez Bob, for being in your 90's it is great that you have finally found Fodor's, lol.

To add to some of the others, you may also find that some wineries are out of certain types of their wines. Your ability to taste (at some vineyards) may also be limited.