Quick Guide: May through August in Napa
Napa may be in Northern California, but summers can get downright
steamy. As in hot, hot, hot. So be prepared to swelter. Night,
however, is another story. Cool bay breezes blow in come sundown,
which may be a boon for the grapes, but without a sweater or
jacket, you'll be chattering in no time.
Napa's one of the few places in California where you'll feel most
comfortable, however, dressing up a bit. Though you'll see just
about every manner of dress in the wineries, tasting room staff
can pick out a tourist in a heartbeat—mostly because they've missed
the memo that this is, after all, Napa, home to some of the richest
and trendiest folks outside of Los Angeles.
What to pack
For daytime tasting and touring, be sure to wear something cool and comfortable,
but a nice pair of linen slacks or even a breezy skirt won't be out of place.
In fact, if you're planning on doing some shopping in trendy St. Helena or
dining in Rutherford, you'll do well to dress like a local—which means a
big brimmed hat, espadrilles and a colorful, well-matched outfit. In the
evening, grab a shawl or jacket to dress up your daytime duds and keep the
cool air off your shoulders. Include at least one outfit that you can dress
up in, should you decide to hit Yountville for dinner.
Dining Style
As in most of California, there's rarely an occasion you'll need a tie or sport
jacket—though in this high-rent district, a set of pearls or a nice summery
sport jacket won't feel out of place (and in fact heels and sleeves may be
very appropriate if you're dining at some of the more upscale destinations.)
Don't worry too much, however, here in California most sophisticated restaurants
usually welcome diners dressed in pretty much whatever you'd wear in a casual
office environment: slacks and a sweater, a comfortable skirt, pants, whatever—though
for really upscale dining its best to avoid jeans if possible.
The People You'll Meet
Napa, despite its recent influx of the well-to-do, is still a small, agricultural
town at heart. Though you'll see plenty of haute couture and heels along Main
St., you'll also see jeans, t-shirts and shorts. It's an interesting mix of
folks who've been here for generations, and who are, at heart, just rural farm
families; and new money winery owners who are eager to impress. For the most
part, however, Napa is a very friendly place, eager to entertain tourists and
welcome passionate wine connoisseurs of all types.
Typical temperatures
Temperatures rarely go below 70 degrees in the summer, and routinely soar into
the high nineties during the day. At night, temperatures can easily dip
into the 40s and 50s, so be prepared.
