Spring in Napa Valley

You survived the winter! Why not celebrate? Some of our favorite Napa Valley Wines are perfect for enjoying this time of year and many of our Wine Train journeys are a way to do just that

We can’t welcome spring without some sparkling wine! Hop aboard for our Estate Tour, where your first stop is at the iconic Domaine Chandon vineyard to taste a classic Brut or delightful sparkling rosé.

Is there anything better than a chilled, full-bodied white wine on a beautiful spring day? This rich, creamy Chardonnay from St. Supery is one of our go-to’s. Visit the (Napa Green Certified) St. Supery Estate Vineyards and Winery on The Collective Tour.

If you’re a red wine lover, you couldn’t pick a more appropriate springtime sip than a Pinot Noir. The Napa Valley Pinot Noir from Charles Krug is a great pick. Taste it on our Ambassador Winery Tour, where you get to visit and tour the historic Charles Krug winery as well as the modern, whimsical estate at Raymond Vineyards.

California’s Napa Valley is always a stunning sight to behold, but in spring it is truly spectacular. The Vista Dome car and rail journey offers incredible views and a mouthwatering gourmet meal. Sit back, sip wine, and take in the verdant landscape full of signs of spring.

One of the most exciting signs of spring, of course, is when new fresh green shoots break out of the vines that have been dormant throughout the winter. It’s the first hint of new grape growth and a signal as to when grape harvesting will take place.

An early signifier that spring has arrived in Napa Valley is the carpet of yellow among the vineyards as the mustard plants between vines start to bloom. As weather warms, keep an eye out for the colorful blooms of local fruit trees, too, as quince, apple, and apricot trees start to flower. And see if you can pick up the soothing scent of lavender as the fragrant herb comes into bloom.

Not only is Napa Valley filled with incredible sights to see in the spring, there is also a ton of exciting things to do!

With spring comes the first of our Meet the Maker dinners. Sample some of the best wines in the Napa Valley paired with a gourmet meal, and have a conversation with the passionate vintners who make them. The first of these unique journeys is on April 21 when we visit Inglenook Winery for a gorgeous meal in their courtyard while Chris Phelps, one of the winemakers at Inglenook, shares his wealth of wine knowledge and comprehensive tasting notes. For oenophiles and foodies alike, this is an experience not to be missed!