California is preparing to celebrate California Wine Month throughout September, with wineries across the state organizing events such as harvest tours, festivals, grape stomps, and culinary experiences. The state has more than 610,000 acres of vineyards and over 4,800 wineries that produce more than 80 percent of the nation’s wine.
Events will take place in several regions. In Napa Valley, guided hikes followed by exclusive tastings are offered through Active Wine Adventures. Temecula Valley will host the Temecula Valley Crush on September 27 at Monte De Oro Winery, where attendees can meet winemakers and sample wines from over 30 producers.
In Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley, visitors can taste gold medal-winning wines at the Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show from September 12–14. Escondido’s Grape Day Festival on September 13 will feature grape stomping and local wine tasting for families.
Monterey County invites guests to tour wineries along the Monterey Wine Trail or explore tasting rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Lodi’s Bokisch Vineyards will hold a charity race on September 14 to support farmland preservation efforts.
The Sonoma County Wine Celebration runs from September 18–20 with receptions, auctions for charity, and insider tours. Placer County concludes its Sips and Suds Summer Passport with a festival featuring local wine and music on September 6.
Calistoga hosts its Harvest Table event on September 7 with a communal dinner along Lincoln Avenue. Groth Vineyard & Winery in Oakville offers a Vineyard and Cellar Walk on September 20 that includes a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking.
San Luis Obispo County’s Dine in the Vines takes place at ONX Estate Vineyard on September 20 with food paired by local chefs. Sonoma celebrates its bicentennial during the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival from September 25–27 with dinners, tastings, and grape stomps.
Livermore Valley’s McGrail Vineyards presents Friday Night Live concerts through September 19 while Yolo County’s Matchbook Wine Co. holds an End of Summer Bash on September 27.
A free recipe e-book featuring classic California dishes is available through a partnership between California Grown, California Wines, and Visit California for those who sign up for Visit California’s weekly travel newsletter.
“California produces more than 80 percent of the nation’s wine,” according to organizers.
