Tons of good info on this site. I did some research not that long ago and still have lots of threads saved:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/799567
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/710236
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/695266
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/624614
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/535200
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/569235
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/399689

My group and I have decided to do just that. Thanks again to everyone for your input.

Hi Fowler,

I just moved from Arizona, and the others in my party are from San Diego. Heat doesn't bother us that much, but I've also never been to Napa during the summer. Do you feel that the drawbacks of the larger crowds in August (any time of the month, really) cancel out the benefits of having nicer weather in which to do more outdoor activities?

Excellent point; I forgot all about Veterans Day. Thank you!

I'll speak with my group and see if they want to keep our trip in early November or maybe try for sometime during the summer. Would you personally prefer early November, or, say early August?

Many thanks, goldangl95, Carrie, and Fowler, for your input. Appreciate it!

Sounds like my group and I basically should expect the unexpected. =) We'll cross our fingers for some decent weather and plan some outdoor activities, with the understanding that Mother Nature may not cooperate.

Regarding wineries, sorry, I meant owners instead of winemakers. I would be surprised if any winemakers are available while I'm there, and I'm not expecting it!

I've spoken with many wineries already and nearly all have said there's no difference between weeks or they just don't know this far in advance (which I understand). So I thought I'd poll the board and see what you guys think/personally prefer.

Hi all,

I am a long-time lurker who is planning a trip to Napa this fall and would appreciate input on which of these two time periods is better to go:

1] Nov. 1-6
2] Nov. 7-12
3] No real difference

I've read almost every Napa-related thread on here and couldn't find an answer that quite fit my question, but please pardon me if I missed it somehow.

Additional info to consider:

-- I am a wine geek and will be going mainly to the smaller/boutique wineries, so I'd prefer the time period that would make it easier on the winery folks to accommodate me and my (small) group. Some of my tastings will be done with the winemakers.

-- That said, I'm also hoping to have picnics at two of the wineries and spend some time on hiking and other outdoor activities, so if the weather is likely to be different one week vs. the other, that's important, too.

-- Is one week going to be more crowded, or is it pretty much the same?

-- The cost of lodging is a non-factor since I'll be staying at a friend's home.

Sincere thanks and appreciation to anyone who is willing to help!

Thanks, Maria. I've heard good things about their Cab and hope to taste it next time I'm in Napa.

Maria, is there an option to taste J. Davies during the Schramsberg tour?