While Napa and Sonoma, like other popular meeting destinations these days, are enjoying a hotel seller’s market, there are strategies that planners can use for securing optimal value and availability for their groups. As a general rule, the best deals will be found by steering clear of high-demand periods such as weekends, summer and the peak grape harvest, or “crush,” months of September and October.
Instead, consider coming during winter or spring, advised Rose Stanton, owner of Wine Country Destinations, a DMC serving the region.
“Spring, which begins in February, is gorgeous here and the weather even in winter can be warm and sunny,” she said. “Of course, you can’t always bank on the weather, but I love it here even when it’s cool. The mist drifts over the hills and there will be cozy fires in the tasting rooms.”
Teresa Savage, vice president of sales for Visit Napa Valley, added that November through April is not only a great time for value, but that it’s the best time for experiencing local culture.
“We call this period our ‘cabernet season’ and it’s when we drive a lot of business,” she said. “Temperatures are lower, the crowds are fewer and it’s a great time to come up to the valley. There’s a lot going on then. There’s the Napa Valley Film Festival in November, plus a lot of fun holiday events like the lighted tractor parade in Calistoga. There’s Restaurant Week in January and arts festivals in the spring. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy the authenticity of the area.”
No matter what time of year, midweek is usually a better bet for availability and value than weekends, she added.
“We’re a very popular drive destination for Bay Area visitors on weekends,” she said. “During the week, the chef can spend more time with your group. You’ll get much more attention.”
