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by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: January 4, 2023
Discover the top events in Napa in January 2023. My calendar includes festivals, things to do at night, and wine tasting activities. One of my top picks this month is the Napa Winter Lights Festival.
Read on for more tips on what's going in wine country during your visit.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Date: 1/1
Start 2023 off right with a 5K or 10K run in beautiful downtown Yountville! If one of your New Year's resolutions is to get out and be more active, this is a great way to start.
You'll have plenty of company, and the added satisfaction that proceeds will benefit local arts and education programs. This friendly community race kicks off at 10 am at the Yountville Community Center.
>> Race details and registration
Dates: 1/13 - 1/16
If you love exquisite food, one of the best events in Napa in January is the Napa Truffle Festival. Enjoy four days of learning about and sampling one of the greatest delicacies known to man, the prized truffle.
You'll hear from master chefs who use this ingredient to craft world class cuisine, as well as from scientists who study truffle cultivation. The Saturday evening of this festival features a Truffles and Wine Dinner.
>> More info about the Truffle Festival
You will find a variety of fun events in Napa in January at the Uptown.
1/15: The Temptations
Date: 1/21 - 2/19
Visit downtown Napa to see this year's Lighted Arts Festival. New for 2023, this free annual event has been extended to 5 weeks. This outdoor, walkable event features stunning light displays projected onto some of Napa's most gorgeous buildings.
The hours for Monday - Thursday are 6 pm to 9 pm and Friday - Sunday you can catch them from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Dates: 1/20 - 1/29
There's no doubt that Napa Valley restaurants offer some of the best dining around, what with their Michelin Star ratings and farm-to-table practices. If you're hesitant about spending a fortune on a delicious meal, or simply don't know where to start, Napa Valley Restaurant Week has solved the problem!
You'll want to head out and try as many culinary hot-spots as possible, with the multi-course prix-fixe menus they will be offering.
Make sure to check out the deals for this time of year before booking your room. Click the links below for top deals all around Napa Valley.
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in the Napa Valley? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
Booking.com: Save on your Hotel in Napa with Booking.com, Planet Earth's #1 Accommodation Site. No booking fees ever!
VRBO: Another great lodging option is VRBO. You can stay at a local's house, apartment, or even just rent a room. It's a great way to feel more like a local while visiting. Find a great place to stay on VRBO.
Dates: 12/3 - 2/5
For the low cost of one ticket, this special Winter Wine Passport grants you access to 16 wine tastings at Calistoga wineries any time during this two-month period--just in time for Cabernet Season.
Participating wineries include both boutique and well-known brands. In addition, the passport offers discounts on lodging, dining, and shopping in Napa Valley. The benefits you'll gain with the passport are valued at around $400.
>> All about the wine passport
Each week, Napa Valley wineries welcome visitors to events at their wineries. Here are some of the wine tasting events in Napa in January.
Beringer Winery (1/21): Chinese New Year celebration for the Year of the Rabbit. Pouring reserve wines paired with Chinese food in their 19th century cave, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
Cuvaison (1/21): Educational Seminar, Sauvignon Black starts at 11 am
Robert Biale Vineyards (1/14): Release the Chicken, annual release party of their Black Chicken Zinfandel, BBQ & Pizza along with their popular zinfandel wine
V. Sattui (1/28): Barrel Tasting and New Release Party, 6 pm to 9:30 pm. Taste over 60 wines while enjoying live music and various food stations.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you join me in my private Facebook group!
It’s a great place to interact with me and others that know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It’s a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!