Some very fun Things to do in wine country in January
There are plenty of fun activities to do in January in wine country. Many tourists stay away from wine country in January, so all the better to travel to Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and more. There will be days of inclement weather, but then comes sunshine, clear air, and spectacular views. Even when the weather is not favorable, there are plenty of fun things to keep you happy and excited. Many lodging establishments offer lodging discounts during the off-season in wine country. Try calling your favorite hotel and ask about winter specials.
Covid, fires, and smoke have brought many changes to tasting and touring in wine country in the past couple of years. Traveling the off-season wine country is a big help to the travel industry.
Here are several suggestions for fun things to do in January in wine country.
Bare vines with cover crops just beginning to grow
Take a hike
Yes, it may be chilly, but hiking in wine country is invigorating. Work up an appetite and take in views most travelers do not see in wine country. Check our “Things to Do” in each of our wine regions and you will find some very nice hiking paths and trails. We like hiking the Napa Vine Trail from Yountville toward Napa. In Healdsburg, we love the Healdsburg Ridge Hike.
Winter is Spa Weather
Spa treatments can be found in any of the wine regions. Napa Valley and Sonoma are particularly known for their many spas. Calistoga in the Napa Valley has made the mud bath and hot springs an inviting activity.
Art Galleries in Healdsburg and Napa Valley
Each wine country town has an excellent collection of boutique shopping and art galleries. Around the Plaza in Healdsburg, the Sonoma Plaza, or Paso Robles City Park, you can shop all day long. Antiquing is also a good choice. The bonus in January is that there are fewer travelers and more time to browse and get great deals. If you want to combine wine tasting and art, follow the Art and Wine Lovers’ Trail in the Napa Valley.
In Healdsburg, be sure to visit the Paul Mahder art gallery. Not only does the art gallery have spectacular works of art, one can taste wine in the gallery. See the Grapeseed Wine Fund.
Head to Mendocino
Mendocino is a very romantic town on the Pacific Coast, but getting there adds to the experience. The Anderson Valley is on the way to Mendocino. It is the land of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian white wine varieties. Highway 128 to the coast is breathtaking. The town of Boonville in the Anderson Valley is a delight. We love what we call the Big Three wineries. Pack a lunch and, even in cold weather, picnicking among the vineyards is rejuvenating.
Head to romantic Mendocino, and on the way taste wine in the Anderson Valley
Events in January 2023
Because January is the quietest month in wine country, several wine regions schedule planned events. Here is a list:
Napa Valley Restaurant Week January 20 to January 29, 2023
Enjoy lunch and dinner with multi-course, prix-fixe menus. Lunch $20, dinner is $38 or $48. See details at Napa Valley Restaurant Week
Winter Wineland January 14 and 15 in the Healdsburg Area – this can get crowded and hectic, but folks love this annual event. See details
Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport
This event runs from December 3, 2022 to February 5, 2023. Purchase passports and enjoy activities at 17 Calistoga wineries. See details at Winter in the Wineries Passport
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