Summertime in Napa Valley is defined by warm weather, blue skies, and peak vineyard views. If you’re planning a seasonal getaway this year, we’ve outlined the best Napa Valley wineries to visit to elevate your tasting room experiences every step of the way.
Why Summer Is Ideal for Outdoor Tastings and Vineyard Views
Sun-soaked days, lush vineyard landscapes, and extended daylight hours bring visitors to Napa Valley in droves each summer for fantastic wine tasting experiences. Many wineries open their gardens, terraces, and patios seasonally to welcome warm-weather visitors. Summer is ideal for outdoor tastings and vineyard views because travelers can always enjoy:
- Longer afternoons for relaxed tasting flights
- The opportunity to savor exciting seasonal wine releases
- Clear and captivating views of surrounding rolling vineyards
- Comfortable weather for strolling the grounds between tasting areas
At Crown Vacation Rentals, we offer summertime travelers access to our luxury Napa Valley condos that provide convenient access to top-rated wine experiences. Our properties are the perfect place to settle in for your summer getaway. Whether you’re on a wine tour for two or traveling with family and friends, our property options have you covered.
Must-Visit Napa Wineries for a Summer Itinerary
When you’re looking for scenic outdoor spaces, exceptional standards of hospitality, and memorable summer tasting experiences, the following are four standout wineries you won’t want to miss. Each offers something unique, making them ideal additions to your warm-weather getaway to Napa this year.
Domaine Carneros
Enjoy a French château-inspired aesthetic at Domaine Carneros. Often pointed to as one of the best wineries Napa Valley offers, it’s a must-visit for those with a passion for sparkling wine varietals. Views here showcase the stunning Carneros region and provide a stunning backdrop for summer afternoon tasting sessions. At Domaine Carneros, guests can enjoy:
- Gorgeous outdoor terrace seating
- Guided tastings with food pairings to match
- Sparkling wine flights
This winery is popular for its shaded patio areas and lush gardens, making it comfortable to explore and enjoy even on the hotter summer days in Napa Valley.
- Address: 1240 Duhig Road, Napa, California, 94559
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Tours & Tastings
Alpha Omega Winery
Located near St. Helena, the Alpha Omega Winery is a family-owned boutique destination on Napa Valley’s Rutherford Bench. Founded in 2006, Alpha Omega Winery continues to captivate summer travelers with its handcrafted Bordeaux-inspired Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors who head this way often fall in love with highlight experiences like:
- Open-air seating with vineyard views
- Daily Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon tastings
- Friendly and educational on-site hosts
The many beautiful outdoor spaces here make it a top choice for travelers seeking to explore Napa Valley wineries during the summer. The winery is dog-friendly, Napa Green-certified, and home to breathtaking estate features, including a tranquil pond, iconic fountains, and gorgeous Mayacamas Mountain vistas.
- Address: 1155 Mee Lane, St. Helena, California, 94574
- Tasting Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Tasting Room Experiences
Robert Mondavi Winery
Crafted on a foundation of great wine, food, and company, the Robert Mondavi Winery is another must-visit destination to add to your summer itinerary. This winery is an icon in Napa Valley that’s renowned for its expansive grounds, world-class wines, and historic architecture. Summer is a perfect time to drop by and visit, thanks to:
- Outdoor tastings hosted under shaded pergolas
- Seasonal tours offered of the vineyard
- Special events and educational experiences to attend throughout the summer months
The size of this winery makes it simple to enjoy tastings and events on-site without ever feeling crowded during peak season. While the winery has been operating in the area since 1966, recent renovations have given the grounds a modern flair, making it feel brand-new with every visit.
Stop by to experience the Mondavi Table, functioning as a curated three-course journey through the vineyard’s most celebrated wines. It’s a family-style food-and-wine pairing offered every day at noon. It lasts 90 minutes and begins at $95 per person.
- Address: 7801 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, California, 94562
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily
- Tasting and Events Calendar
Schramsberg Vineyards
History, flavor, and exclusivity go hand in hand when you make a reservation at Schramsberg Vineyards this summer. Available by appointment only, this local vineyard offers travelers a cool and savory retreat from the seasonal heat. You’ll find Schramsberg Vineyards in nearby Calistoga, where it’s earned a reputation for excellence around its cave tours and sparkling wines. Visitors can also enjoy:
- Outdoor garden tastings and gatherings
- Insightful sparkling wine education from local experts
- Historic estate views
Schramsberg is truly a must-visit for travelers looking to mix indoor and outdoor experiences while exploring Napa Valley wineries.
- Address: 1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga, California, 94515
- Hours: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
- Tours & Tastings
Tips for Visiting Napa Wineries in Hot Weather
It’s typical for summer temperatures across Napa Valley to linger in the mid-80s and low 90s by midday. Planning for seasonal heat can ensure your winery visit is comfortable. We recommend:
- Choosing wineries with indoor tasting rooms or outdoor shaded patios
- Booking morning or later afternoon tastings to avoid peak midday temperatures
- Making it a point to hydrate well between tasting sessions
- Bring a small cooler if you plan to purchase wine bottles along the way that you want to keep cold in the summer heat
- Wearing breathtaking apparel and applying plenty of sunscreen when you’re exploring or tasting outdoors
It’s also a good idea to book a luxury summer vacation rental in Napa Valley ahead of time that’s located close to the wineries where you’ve made reservations. This minimizes travel time to your destination and gives you a cozy place to relax and recharge between visits and tasting sessions.
Book Your Napa Valley Vacation Rental for Your Summer Wine Getaway
Choosing a comfortable rental home really sets the tone for your wine country experience in Napa Valley. This summer, partner with Crown Vacation Rentals when it’s time to select a home base that you and your fellow travelers can enjoy when you’re not out exploring local wineries.
Our condos, homes, and rentals are situated close to tasting rooms, summer events, and restaurants that you’re definitely going to want to experience for yourself! We have property options for traveling groups of all sizes. Whether you’re here on your own, as a couple on a romantic retreat, or visiting alongside family and friends, we’ll make sure you settle into style in no time. Many of our property options showcase:
- Spacious open floor plans where everyone can relax without ever feeling crowded
- Full kitchens where visitors can serve up home-style meals to pair with the bottles they’ve purchased at local wineries
- Cozy fireplaces for gathering around in the evening hours
- Large master suites and guest rooms for getting a good night’s rest before more winery tours ahead
- Private decks and patios where you can enjoy a glass of wine under the stars at the end of each day
- Large living rooms with plush furnishings to enjoy in your downtime
Take time today to browse our full collection of rental properties across Napa Valley, and contact us with any questions you might have. We’re here to help with booking upon request and can’t wait to help you put together a summer winery trip to Napa Valley you won’t soon forget.