6 Unique Harvest Activities This Fall in Wine Country

Harvest season is a time like no other in Wine Country, where an undercurrent of excitement and urgency flows from August through October in Sonoma County. The grapes on the vine are finally reaching the promised land of ripeness. And as you drive through the county in the early morning, you feel a sense of delight when a truck bumbles past with bins of freshly picked fruit.

With harvest comes a bevy of celebratory events: Winery dinners, harvest lunches, festivals and fairs — all worthwhile ways to commemorate the season. But there are also activities designed to get you closer to the action, whether that’s in the vineyard, on the crush pad or near the grape-sorting table.

Below are some of the unique harvest-season activities happening in Wine Country. For more details, check out our calendar of events.

August

Official Sonoma Valley Harvest Bell Ringing Ceremony

Harvest in Sonoma County is officially kicked off every year with a traditional bell-ringing ceremony held at the Mission San Francisco Solano on the Sonoma Plaza, signifying that harvest has begun in the vineyards. Visitors are invited to join the community of growers, vintners and winery staff to take part in this special tradition.

September

Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival 

This two-day celebration is held every September to celebrate the grape bounty and the history of wine and grape-growing in Sonoma County. Held at the historic Sonoma Plaza, wine enthusiasts gather from far and wide to take part in the festivities, which include a harvest dinner paired with rare library wines; a traditional grape stomp; a 5K race and fun run; and a grand-finale grand-tasting event. Experience Sonoma County’s incredible growing regions and taste and impressive collection of wines from more than 40 winemakers and growers.

October

Sonoma County Harvest Fair

An annual celebration of harvest, the Sonoma County Harvest Fair is considered one of the premier regional wine judgings in the country. In addition to the wine and food judging, attendees come from all over the globe to participate in and watch the World Championship Grape Stomp. Grape stomping may have originated in ancient Rome, but Sonoma County can claim the World Championship Grape Stomp as our own. As part of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, this annual grape stomp in Santa Rosa invites people of all ages to compete in the winemaking tradition of crushing grapes by foot. “Stompers” crush the grapes while “swabbies” direct the juice into the glass jugs. During the final round, 60 pounds of grapes will be stomped for five minutes. Whichever team fills the jugs with the most juice will win a cash prize. Costumes are encouraged, and the best-dressed team will get a special award. Bystanders can access the event with a Harvest Fair entry ticket.

Healdsburg Crush

The only wine-tasting event that takes place on the Healdsburg Plaza, you can spend the day enjoying some of the best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sparkling Wines the West Coast has to offer from approximately 65 premium wineries. There is also food from local vendors, live music and a silent auction.

All Season Long

Winery and AVA Celebrations

Sonoma County is home to more than 425 wineries and 19 AVAs, and during harvest season, guests are invited to celebrate with special seasonal tastings, activities and pairings. You’re also invited to wander through the vineyards that explode in incredible fall colors. Click here for more on what you can do.

Kendall-Jackson’s Farm to Table Dinner Series

A dining experience like no other in Sonoma County, monthly al fresco events showcase the day’s harvest from Kendall-Jackson‘s culinary gardens and the bounty of local purveyors, paired alongside the estate’s highly acclaimed wines. Each month’s theme is different, yet guests will always enjoy a copious meal, seated at one long table amid the four-acre garden.