5 friends from New Zealand visiting in Mid October

Question

Hello everyone, I know this has been asked but I'm looking for suggestions for the 5 of us who are traveling. Staying in Napa township about 15mins from Oxbow Market. Things to do, must go vineyards and great food options. Thank you.

Answer

Napa Valley in mid-October is a wonderful time to visit—the weather is generally mild, the harvest season is in full swing, and the scenery is stunning with fall colors in the vineyards. With five friends traveling together, you can balance wine tasting, great meals, and scenic activities without feeling rushed.

Here are some suggestions for your visit:

Wine Tasting: Since you’re staying in Napa township, it’s convenient to focus on both nearby Napa and the surrounding towns such as Yountville, St. Helena, and Rutherford. Some highly recommended wineries include:

Artesa Vineyards & Winery – Known for modern architecture, amazing views, and excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Castello di Amorosa – A medieval-style castle with immersive wine tastings; fun and unique experience.
V. Sattui Winery – Great for casual tastings and a picnic; they have a deli and cheese shop.
Robert Mondavi Winery – Iconic Napa Valley winery with excellent tours and tastings.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – Famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, great if your group enjoys reds.

Food & Dining: Napa Valley is renowned for its culinary scene. Consider:

Oxbow Public Market – Convenient for lunch, offering artisanal cheeses, fresh produce, gourmet sandwiches, and coffee.
Bouchon Bistro in Yountville – Classic French cuisine by Thomas Keller.
Redd – Contemporary American with local ingredients.
Morimoto Napa – For Japanese cuisine and sushi if your group wants a change from traditional Napa fare.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – Farm-to-table dining with fresh local ingredients.

Activities Beyond Wine & Food: Napa Valley has more than just vineyards:

Hot Air Balloon Ride – A sunrise flight offers breathtaking views of the valley and vineyards.
Bike Tours – Rent bikes and ride along the Napa Valley Vine Trail or join a guided wine bike tour.
Old Faithful Geyser of California – Near Calistoga, fun for a brief stop.
Downtown Napa Stroll – Explore shops, galleries, and tasting rooms in Napa town.
Spa or Hot Springs – Calistoga is known for mineral hot springs and spas; a relaxing afternoon is a nice break from wine tasting.

Tips for visiting:

Consider hiring a driver or joining a small wine tour for at least one day so everyone can enjoy tastings without worrying about driving.
Make reservations for popular wineries, especially during harvest season, as they can get fully booked in October.
Start tastings earlier in the day, as late afternoons can feel rushed and some wineries close by 5 pm.
Pack layers—Napa mornings can be cool, while afternoons are usually warm.

With this combination of vineyards, great meals, and optional activities, your group should have a memorable and well-rounded Napa Valley experience.