wanderer

My husband and I just got back from a fabulous trip to Sonoma/Napa.

We were surprised that the hills were brown (gold, not brown as my CA friend corrected me), as we had thought from pictures they would be green and the fields gold. Locals told us the hills are only green in the Spring.

So it is we are thinking of another trip - in Spring, to see some of the things we missed.

When does Spring start in Sonoma/Napa Valleys? I'm guessing it is earlier than our Spring here in the East. We don't care about cool weather - rather like it - but do care about rain - don't like it....

Grasshopper

My favorite time is late February through March. Then the gold fields you are thinking of is the mustard blooming in the vineyards. Also, lots of daffodils then and the fruit trees are aburst in bloom. A side benefit is it's not so crowded.

iamq

March and April are lovely.
-Bill

LoveItaly

wanderer, March and April are beautiful but sometimes March has a lot of rain, so it seems to me that April is when you would want to come and visit.
Sometimes too (but not always) February can be a beautiful month.

Grasshopper

Wanderer, You know what's fun is Barrel Tasting weekend, the first weekend in March. Check out www.wineroad.com for more information.

Tim_and_Liz

We went at the end of May and it was simply gorgeous-- very green and perfect weather. They don't get rain most years in May, so they told me!

Otis_B_Driftwood

May is a great month to visit the wine country but it is the month when the hills turn brown. Mid February through April is when the area is greenest and the mustard is at its best in March although it can bloom even in January if the rains come early enough.

wanderer

Do the rains usually stop by end of February?

We are thinking of going the last full week of March.

LoveItaly

wanderer, it is not unusual to have rain the end of March. I am aware of that because I always have a business meeting in Berkeley around the end of March and I can almost count on a terrible storm. Hate that because 1-80 is not a fun drive anyway.
If you could arrive in April I sure think it would be better weather. If there is rain it would probably be more like a spring shower.
Having said that, the weather has been so strange these past years I don't think anyone knows what to expect (especially the weathermen, sigh).

dovima

Dear wanderer,
The hills were brown on your recent visit because we just don't get any appreciable rainfall between May and September. A recent article by a Bay Area botanist said our dry season is comparable in dormancy to most climate's winters - interesting thought.

"Spring" actually starts by about mid-December, when it's wet and chilly, but the rain has turned the hills back to green. By end of January, the orchards are already starting to blossom even though it's still kind of cold.

Our fiercest storms (with high winds and lots of rain) happen generally between December and February. So, if you take the previous posters' advice and come in April or late March, you might get a bit of rain but it will definitely be on the gentler side.

montyw

March can be very glorious, but the storms can also be pretty strong with thunderstorms and hail. The mornings are still quite frosty. We are currently under the start of an El Nino year so I would expect an above average rainfall year with mild temperatures - that usually means a very wet Feb and March!

If you are looking at April I highly recomend the April in Carneros even - go to http://www.carneroswineries.org/

Last year it was April 17-18. 2005 has not been scheduled yet, but when it is we will be reserving our hotels!

kimamom

Late March has always been very nice. I remember laying out by the pool last year at the Hotel Healdsburg.

We also have enjoyed the first week in May. One year we went the last week in May and it was starting to get a little too warm for my liking. (I get enough really hot weather where we live!) LOL ***kim***

wanderer

We are planning on March 20 - 27th. Won't kill us if it rains.

We'd like to come later in Spring, but have a trip already planned for Venice in May, so April would make it too close.

Can't wait!! Now we'll have something go look forward to to get us through our long cold winter!

dovima

Wanderer,
Sounds great. This time, how about doing some driving on the back roads of Napa, near the Pope and Alexander Valleys? Gorgeous scenery, and wildflowers - particularly wild iris and California poppies should be out by then. I think you'd like it.

wanderer

Sounds great. We actually were able to see some of Alexander Valley, but yes, sounds like perfect touring time!