My sweet little wife asked me today if if wanted to go to Napa. Uh, yea! We will start looking closely at flights and hotels tonight but trying to figure the dates first. Probably at the end of January or the end of March. Are one of these two times better?
With Berserker day, Myriad, Rivers Marie, and with a few others I am considering for this month, I should probably wait until March to let the bank account rest. But other than that, is there a reason to go one time or the other?
The way this winter is going, if you wait until March bud break will already be far along!
Paul,
March tends to be (considerably) warmer and drier, as you’d expect. May, for me, remains my favorite month. But really, how about giving some love to Sonoma, instead? 
Napa is super dead from Jan-April, you almost can’t go wrong, but it will be deader in Jan than in April.
I was there two weeks ago, it’s been unusually warm and dry in NorCal this year, so I don’t think temps will be a problem in Jan.
March is my favorite month. Everything is green and the weather is usually pretty good. No crowds.
Not sure about the “green” part this year though–still waiting on the rain.
I’ve been in January—great time to go if you want to get lots of quality time with the wineries and winemakers, and certainly less crowded car-wise getting to and fro.
Mike
Ok, we just booked flights for 1/29-2/2. It will be a short trip but a good time. Any recommendations on where to stay? We are looking at a few VRBO’s right now.
There are enough “where should I taste” threads that I will not ask that question.
There is a place we rented on Howell mtn off VRBO that was unbelievable… The main house is owned by a local atty and his wife and there is a 2 bedroom villa with kitchen they rent out. Sorry wish I had the listing number. Highly recommend somewhere up off the valley floor…stars at night up there are killer sitting around the fire pit with a bottle or two of your newly purchased stash.
I was just at the Bordeaux House in Yountville… it’s literally right next to The French Laundry… it was fabulous for the price (off season, depending on the room $125-150ish/night)… It’s an 8-room Bed and Breakfast (although it felt more like an Inn). Includes breakfast, which was delicious, free parking and free wifi. http://www.bordeauxhouse.com/
I stayed at Silverado which is, well, past it’s prime. But it was cheap and the room had a fireplace.
I honeymooned there in late Feb-early March. Fantastic. No traffic, no lines at tasting rooms, got French Laundry reservations, and cheap hotel rate. Great weather and walk into every other restaurant we tried sealed the deal. My favorite time to hit the valley.
If you’re willing to go Sonoma, stay at The Chauvet in Glen Ellen (take a look at their web site). Great space, incredible market across the street, cool bar 50 yards away, good restaurants within short walk. If you call, tell Christine I sent you.