The Pulse · week of September 28, 2026

October belongs to the harvest parties

The valley's crush calendar hits its peak over the next three weeks. Frank Family hosts its harvest dinner on October 10 ($350), Grgich Hills throws its annual grape stomp the same day ($150), and Charles Krug goes full Alice in Wonderland for its harvest party ($145). The following weekend brings the V. Sattui crush party on October 16 ($195) and Robert Biale's harvest dinner on October 17 ($250). Five major winery parties in eight days. If you only do one fall ritual in wine country, this is the stretch.

Halloween is already on the calendar

Costume season in wine country is taking shape. Yountville's Halloween Block Party returns on October 31 and it is free, Bouchaine throws its Boochaine dance party on October 30, and Tannery Bend hosts its Halloween party on October 31. Put the costume together now; the valley does not do this halfway.

Last weekend for Open Studios

Napa Valley Open Studios wraps its second and final weekend September 26 to 27. Sixty-seven artists across 42 working studios, self-guided, with live demos and the chance to buy straight from the source. It is free and it only happens once a year.

Chandon just called its earliest harvest ever

On July 24, Chandon began picking Chardonnay on its Yountville estate, the earliest first pick in the winery's 53-year history. The previous record was August 3, set in 2021. Winemaker Pauline Lhote called it historic for Napa sparkling. The 2026 sparklers start here.

Three new reasons to go out

Casa Mani Resort and its BOA Steakhouse are now open in downtown Napa. Beaulieu Vineyard reopened its reimagined hospitality center inside the 1885 stone winery after a two-year restoration. And The Elene's live-fire restaurant Vetra, led by chef Matthew Accarrino, opens late 2026. The valley keeps building.