Planning a wedding in Napa or Sonoma during the winter months (November through March) is one of the best ways to experience wine country at its coziest. The vines turn golden, the crowds fade, the light gets soft and romantic, and the entire valley feels slower, more intimate, and full of magic. It’s an underrated season — especially if you want a more relaxed planning experience and gorgeous photos without the summer rush.

But winter in Northern California also comes with its own logistics. As planners who work year-round in wine country, we’re here to walk you through exactly how to prepare so your celebration feels seamless, warm, and beautiful, no matter what the weather is up to. Keep scrolling for all the fun details & how to make your rainy winter wedding day feel effortless!

Winter Wedding Planning Tips for Napa & Sonoma

1. Choose a venue that works for both sunshine and rain

Many wine country venues lean heavily on outdoor spaces, which is stunning in peak season but trickier in winter. If you’re getting married between November and February, make sure your venue has a weather-proof plan that truly supports your guest count, layout, and vision.

This usually means:

• An indoor reception space
• A barn or pavilion
• A venue-approved tenting plan
• Hard floor options so guests aren’t sinking into wet ground
• An indoor area or covered space for cocktail hour

If the venue can’t serve as its own backup plan, you must confirm they allow large-scale tenting (not every winery does).

2. Tents are your winter wedding best friend

If your venue doesn’t have a full indoor reception space, a tent is absolutely essential. And not just any tent — you’ll want:

• A clear-top or white-top tent depending on your aesthetic
• Sidewalls to block wind and rain
• Proper heaters to keep everything warm
• Flooring (VERY important for comfort and stability)
• Lighting + draping to make it feel elevated and inviting

With the right design, a tented wedding in Napa or Sonoma feels incredibly romantic and adds that cozy, winter-wine-country vibe.

3. Expect earlier sunset & plan your timeline accordingly for a winter wedding

Winter light in wine country is stunning but short. Sunset can be as early as 4:45pm — so we would recommend:

• Moving your ceremony earlier
• Doing first look + portraits before guests arrive
• Allowing extra time between ceremony and reception for weather transitions

Your photographer and planner will help you create a timeline that maximizes the best winter light.

4. Keep guests warm and comfortable

A little hospitality goes a long way when it’s chilly outside:

• Offer blankets or pashminas at your ceremony
• Serve warm welcome drinks (mulled wine, hot cider, or spiked cocoa)
• Add heaters around cocktail hour spaces
• Use candlelight, warm-toned lighting, and textured linens for a cozy ambiance

Truly, comfort = happy guests.

5. Lean into seasonal design

Winter in Napa and Sonoma is perfect for:

• Moody florals or deep, rich color palettes
• Candle-heavy tablescapes
• Modern jewel tones
• Textured linens
• Seasonal greenery and branches
• Luxe touches like velvet bows, elegant stationery, or stone calligraphy pieces

Whether your style is classic or modern, winter adds natural drama you can play with.

Some Of Our Favorite Napa & Sonoma Venues for a Winter Wedding

These locations work beautifully in the off-season and have realistic weather backup plans, indoor options, or tenting availability!

Estate Yountville

A beautiful, walkable property with multiple indoor and covered spaces that work perfectly for winter. Estate Yountville offers a warm, boutique-luxury experience where your entire day can unfold comfortably, no matter the weather. It’s ideal for couples wanting a refined setting with built-in backup options.

Trentadue Winery

Even though ceremonies take place outdoors, Trentadue is still a top winter pick thanks to its spacious indoor reception options and stunning winery backdrop. It’s only about 30 minutes from Napa, making it a convenient and gorgeous choice for off-season celebrations with a cozy, romantic feel.

The Barn at Harrow Cellars

While the ceremony remains outside, the property’s architecture and sweeping views make it worth it. The barn itself is a flexible, weather-safe space for dinner and dancing — warm, character-filled, and perfect for elevated winter design.

Cornerstone Sonoma

With its seasonal tent and modern barn, Cornerstone is one of the most adaptable winter venues in Sonoma. Dinner can flow seamlessly inside the tent while dancing moves into the barn, giving couples a flexible layout that handles rain or chill effortlessly.

Montage Healdsburg

A luxury property surrounded by forested hills and winter light. Montage offers tent-friendly outdoor areas and polished indoor spaces, plus exceptional hospitality. It’s a winter venue that feels elevated, intimate, and effortlessly scenic.

The Meritage Resort

A true winter-weather standout, The Meritage offers a wide range of indoor and covered spaces — from elegant ballrooms to garden-view terraces and their iconic wine cave. It’s perfect for couples who want flexibility, comfort, and a seamless guest experience without worrying about rain plans. With warm hospitality and plenty of design-ready spaces, The Meritage makes winter weddings feel effortless and elevated.

Solage

A modern, luxurious Calistoga retreat that truly shines in the winter. Solage works beautifully year-round thanks to its flexible event spaces, warm contemporary design, and impeccable hospitality. The property offers covered and indoor options for dinner, cocktail hour, and dancing, plus tent-friendly outdoor areas if you want that open-air feeling without worrying about the weather. Soft mountain views, elevated cuisine, and a naturally cozy aesthetic make Solage an effortlessly romantic setting for off-season celebrations.

Viansa Winery

A gorgeous hilltop winery with sweeping valley views, Tuscan-style architecture, and beautiful indoor spaces that make winter weddings feel incredibly romantic. Viansa is especially strong for off-season celebrations thanks to its spacious tasting room, covered terraces, and tent-friendly outdoor areas.

Yes, A Winter Wedding in Wine Country Is Worth It

If you love the idea of a romantic, intimate, slightly moodier version of Napa or Sonoma — winter is your season. With the right venue, thoughtful layout, and a weather-proof plan, your day will feel cozy, elevated, and unforgettable. Let the summer crowds have their hot afternoons and packed calendars! Winter belongs to couples who want wine country all to themselves!!

Ready to Plan Your Napa or Sonoma Winter Wedding?

At Carly Saber Events, we plan wine country weddings year-round and know exactly how to navigate winter logistics, tenting needs, vendor partnerships, and the design details that turn a chilly day into a warm, joyful celebration.

Whether you’re dreaming of a tented reception under the winter sky or an intimate dinner in a wine cave, we’ll help you bring that vision to life with ease. Ready to start planning? Reach out here and let’s design a winter wedding that feels elevated, intentional, and completely you. We can’t wait to hear from you!