Wine will be in the spotlight across California in September as wineries throughout the state host events to mark California Wine Month. The state, which produces over 80 percent of the nation’s wine and is home to more than 4,800 wineries and 610,000 acres of vineyards, will see a range of activities from harvest tours to culinary experiences.
In Napa Valley, guided hikes with Active Wine Adventures combine outdoor activity with wine tasting at small-production wineries. Temecula Valley’s annual Crush event on September 27 at Monte De Oro Winery will offer tastings from more than 30 local producers. Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show runs September 12–14 and features “people’s choice” gold medal wines alongside other regional products.
Escondido’s Grape Day Festival on September 13 continues a tradition dating back to 1908 with grape stomping and local food vendors in San Diego County. Monterey County visitors can explore wineries along the Monterey Wine Trail or join the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk for tasting room experiences.
Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi will host Race to Slow the Pace on September 14, where participants run through vineyards to support farmland preservation efforts. Sonoma County Wine Celebration from September 18–20 includes an auction for charity at Cline Family Cellars and various insider tours.
Placer County concludes its Sips and Suds Summer Passport program with the Sounds of Summer festival on September 6 at Gold Hill Gardens estate, offering local beverages and live music. In Calistoga, Lincoln Avenue transforms into a communal dining space for Harvest Table on September 7 featuring dishes from local restaurants paired with wines.
Groth Vineyard & Winery in Oakville presents a Vineyard and Cellar Walk on September 20 that includes behind-the-scenes access followed by lunch. ONX Estate Vineyard hosts Dine in the Vines in San Luis Obispo County also on September 20 with a multicourse meal paired with their wines.
Sonoma’s bicentennial as a winegrowing region is celebrated at the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival from September 25–27 with dinners, tastings, grape stomps, and competitions. Livermore Valley’s McGrail Vineyards offers Friday Night Live music events through mid-September.
Matchbook Wine Co.’s End of Summer Bash takes place on September 27 in Yolo County featuring live music and food trucks until evening hours.
For those unable to attend events or looking to recreate some experiences at home, California Grown has partnered with California Wines and Visit California to release a free recipe e-book for those who sign up for Visit California’s weekly travel inspiration newsletter. The e-book features recipes inspired by classic California dishes such as Avocado Salad with Hidden Valley Ranch-Style Dressing and strawberry shortcake based on Boccali’s Pizza in Ojai.
“Wine is as much a part of the California lifestyle as catching a wave, hiking among ancient redwoods, or cruising in a convertible along the Golden State’s breathtaking coastline.”
Throughout these celebrations, visitors can find additional information about planned activities by visiting Discover California Wines online.
