While other parts of the country hunker down for harsh winter weather, Napa Valley in January offers something entirely different: cool, crisp days perfect for wine tasting, fewer crowds at premier restaurants, cozy stays at Calistoga bed and breakfasts, and mineral-rich hot springs that feel especially inviting when there’s a chill in the air. Winter reveals a quieter side of the valley that many travelers miss, and it becomes clear why locals see this as the best season to visit.
What to Expect: Winter Weather in Calistoga
Winter in Calistoga means mild temperatures that rarely dip below freezing. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, with cool mornings and evenings in the 40s. Rain does arrive between November and March, but it’s typically brief and intermittent rather than constant. Most winter days offer clear blue skies, crisp air, and stunning visibility of the surrounding mountains. When rain does fall, it transforms the vineyards into vibrant green landscapes and creates a day perfect for indoor activities like spa treatments, museum visits, or lunch.
The weather is comfortable enough for outdoor activities like vineyard walks and bike rides, yet cool enough to make hot springs and fireside wine tastings feel especially inviting.
Experience Holiday Events Like a Local
Early winter brings festive holiday events that stretch across Napa Valley. Calistoga keeps a small-town feel, with community events like the Tractor Parade, warm tasting rooms, and shops that stay open a little later for people who want to wander after dinner. As you move through the valley, you will notice that each community adds its own touch, from large outdoor displays to simple gatherings that bring neighbors together.
Winter in the Wineries Passport: The Ultimate Wine Tasting Deal
The Calistoga Winter in the Wineries Passport might be wine country’s best-kept secret. For just $80, you receive complimentary tastings at 21 participating wineries from December through March, a value exceeding $800. Each participating winery offers a unique experience, from aerial gondola rides at Sterling to equestrian elegance at Tamber Bey to intimate family-run tasting rooms where the winemaker might pour your flight.
The passport also unlocks discounts on spa treatments and dining. Many restaurants waive corkage fees for wines purchased at participating wineries, so you can enjoy your discoveries over dinner.
Available as a digital pass or physical booklet, the passport can be purchased at visitcalistoga.com or picked up at the Calistoga Welcome Center at 1457 Lincoln Avenue. Most wineries require advance reservations, so call ahead to secure your tastings.
Soak Away Winter in Calistoga’s Hot Springs & Mud Baths
When the temperature drops and a cool breeze sweeps through the valley, Calistoga’s spas and hot springs become even more appealing. The town sits on natural volcanic activity that heats mineral-rich water to the perfect soaking temperature. Steam rises from outdoor pools as you settle into warmth, a glass of wine within reach, surrounded by the quiet beauty of winter vineyards.
Calistoga’s famous mud baths offer the full wine country wellness experience. Volcanic ash, peat, and naturally heated mineral water combine to create therapeutic mud that draws out impurities and leaves skin feeling soft. After your mud soak, rinse off in a mineral bath, relax in a steam room, and finish with a blanket wrap that extends the deep relaxation.
Cabernet Season and Mustard Season: Wine Country’s Visual Delights
Winter brings two of Napa Valley’s most distinctive seasonal transformations. Cabernet Season (November to mid-January) follows harvest, when winemakers focus on their craft and vineyards rest. This is when new releases appear in tasting rooms, barrel tastings offer previews of future vintages, and winemakers have time to share their knowledge without harvest chaos. The vines turn golden and rust-colored before dropping their leaves, creating dramatic landscapes against clear winter skies.
Mustard Season (January to mid-March) paints the valley floor in brilliant yellow. Wild mustard blooms between dormant vines, creating a striking contrast of gold and dark wood that draws photographers and visitors from afar.
Museums and Galleries: Cultural Escapes on Cool Days
Winter gives you the chance to explore Calistoga’s indoor spaces without the busier crowds of the summer. The Sharpsteen Museum tells the story of early Calistoga through detailed displays that capture small moments from the town’s past. On cool days, the warm rooms feel comforting, and it is easy to spend time studying each scene.
Local galleries, showcasing the art of wine country, welcome guests who want a break from tasting. You can move slowly between paintings and sculptures, talk with the owners or artists, and enjoy the calm.
Uncrowded Dining: Finally Get That Reservation
One of winter’s greatest gifts in Calistoga is restaurant availability. You might snag a table with a week’s notice, or even walk in on a weekday with no wait time. Calistoga Inn, Evangeline, and other downtown Calistoga restaurants welcome guests without the summer rush, giving you more personalized service and time to savor each course.
Winter menus lean into seasonal ingredients like root vegetables, braised meats, and rich sauces that pair beautifully with Napa Cabernets.
Shopping Without the Crowds
Shopping in Calistoga feels different in winter when you’re not competing with summer tourists. Lincoln Avenue’s boutique shop owners have time to chat, help you find exactly what you’re looking for, and share stories about their products and the local artisans who made them. You can try on clothes without a line for the dressing room, discuss a book recommendation with knowledgeable staff at Copperfield’s, or taste chocolate samples at Earth & Sky without feeling rushed.
Better Rates, Better Value
Winter brings practical advantages beyond the experience itself. Room rates drop, flights cost less, and last-minute travel becomes possible. Hotel rates drop significantly compared to the summer peak season.
Make The Craftsman Inn or Wine Way Inn Your Winter Home Base
After a day of tastings, walks, and warm mineral pools, you can return to a calm room that feels like home. Our boutique Calistoga bed and breakfasts offer exactly that: elegantly appointed rooms, warm hospitality, and all the comforts you need for a cozy winter retreat.
Located in the heart of downtown Calistoga, you’re steps from Lincoln Avenue’s shops and restaurants, minutes from participating Winter in the Wineries Passport wineries, and close to all the hot springs and spas that make this town famous. Check in, settle into your room with a glass of wine, and plan tomorrow’s adventures without ever getting back in the car.
Book your winter stay at The Craftsman Inn or Wine Way Inn and discover why this season might be the best-kept secret in California travel.