Planning to visit Napa Valley but just not sure when to go? It's like wine, all wines are good wines, some are just better than others. There are great year-round reasons and seasons to visit Napa Valley. The best time depends on what you want from your vacation in Wine Country.

Summer is of course, the busiest and best for many including families. Who doesn't like Summer and all the pampering possibilities of a spa, a scenic wine tasting tour, and wonderful dinner at one of Napa's world renowned restaurants. And recreational possibilities like biking or hiking on one of the many hillsides or kayaking down the Russian River.

Fall with it's glorious colors of change approaching, is a picture to behold. Even in late fall Napa Valley experiences Indian Summers where it can be well into the upper 80s or low 90s up to the middle of October. You can still have great fun time and with fewer people to share it with.

This time of the year is special as well. Grapes are being crushed for wine making. Some wineries give tours this time of the year as well. Try to find a winery offering barrel tastings.

Winter, despite the potential for rain, which is less than 24 inches per year, is still a sight to behold. In January mustard greens begin to grow. Their brilliant yellow flowers against the bright green grasses and studded with the dark brown color of grapevines lends to a beautiful sight across all the hillsides.

January 30th begins the Mustard Festival, which is ongoing thru the end of March. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival is a non-profit community service organization.

Spring is always a great time of the year in Napa Valley. The air is fresh and sweet, the grapevines are bursting, and the trees are blooming bright colors of  pink and yellow and white, and Napa Valley is reborn once again.