Celebrate harvest in Sonoma County at these great events
Celebrate harvest by lifting a glass and experiencing all the area winemakers have to offer. Here are some the best events.
Sonoma County Wine Auction
Sept. 19-21
Named one of the top charitable wine auctions by Wine Spectator, the Sonoma County Wine Auction (formerly Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction) brings wine superstars, local celebrity chefs, and honored guests together to invest in our community.
The auction is Sonoma County’s ultimate event, featuring the most imaginative, indulgent and inspiring auction lots in its history, highlighted by exquisite wine and masterful cuisine.
La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard, Windsor
sonomacountywineauction.com
Meadowcroft’s Hands On Harvest Experience
Sept. 20
This ultimate experience for wine lovers begins at the Meadowcroft Tasting Room. Walk with Owner and Winegrower Tom Meadowcroft to the Cornerstone Vineyard and help harvest pinot noir grapes. Handpick grapes in the middle of the vineyard with the sun glowing overhead, and the sweet fragrance of ripening grapes in the air.
After working hard in the vineyards, guests will be rewarded with wine and picnic lunch at the Tasting Room. Top off this experience with bragging rights that you had a hand in the production of Meadowcroft’s 2019 Cornerstone Vineyard Pinot Noir.
9 a.m. – noon
Meadowcroft Wines, Sonoma
707-934-4090
www.meadowcroftwines.com
Comstock Wines Harvest Tour and Lunch
Sept. 21
Embark on Comstock Wines signature tour, which takes you a step beyond tasting into a behind-the-scenes peek at the cellar during the height of Harvest. Explore an in-depth winery tour that follows the path of the grapes, from the vineyard to the cellar to the finished wine. Start with a glass of their signature Sauvignon Blanc as you make your way from the vineyards to the crush pad, winemaking cellars, and then conclude with a seated family-style tasting and lunch hosted by the Winemaker and a member of the Hospitality team.
Comstock Wines, Healdsburg
707-723-4229
www.comstockwines.com
Red Car Wine’s Harvest Party
Sept. 21
Immerse yourself in the West Sonoma Coast wine region as Red Car Wines transports you to their Zephyr Farms Vineyard nestled in the Freestone hills.
Celebrate the 2019 wine harvest in West Sonoma County with a family-style harvest lunch prepared by Sebastopol’s Lowell’s Restaurant – all paired with Red Car’s limited production and cool-climate wines.
Red Car’s Vineyard Manager, Greg Adams will also host a short vineyard walk and viticulture discussion at the beginning of the afternoon to kick off the event!
Be sure to reserve your seat early, this event will likely sell out.
Red Car Wine, Sebastopol
707-829-8500
redcarwine.com/
Dutton-Goldfield’s Library Wine Feature Weekend
Sept. 21-22
Join Dutton-Goldfield for a special glimpse into the DG Library. On select weekends they will be offering some of the best that the cool-climate 2010 and 2011 vintages had to offer. Don’t miss the chance to try their featured wines for the September weekend: Green Valley sourced 2011 Fox Den Vineyard Pinot Noir, poured side by side with the current 2016 vintage, then stick around for a bonus pour of the legendary 2011 Freestone Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley! These special Library pours will be added to the current new release focused flight while supplies last.
Dutton-Goldfield Winery, Sebastopol
707-823-3887
shop.duttongoldfield.com/Visit/Events
Breathless Harvest Happy Hour
Sept. 24
Join Breathless in their harvest celebrations with live music featuring T-Luke and the Tight Suits, bubbles and food from The Grilled Cheez Guy! $15 admission includes a glass of wine, and delicious food can be purchased separately.
Breathless Wines, Healdsburg
707-494-7629
www.breathlesswines.com
Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival
Sept. 27-29
The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival is a weekend-long celebration of Sonoma Valley’s grape harvest! Enjoy live music, wine tasting, culinary delights, grape stomp, art festival, and many family-friendly activities. Festivities kick off with the Friday Night Gala on Sept. 27. Taste great wine, sample delicious food, and dance under the stars to live music. On Saturday and Sunday, the 122nd annual Vintage Festival transforms Sonoma Plaza into an outdoor celebration with live music, art, crafts, wine, food, and more.
100% of festival proceeds are donated to local community organizations.
Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma
707-935-1377
valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.com
Ledson Harvest Celebration
Sept. 28
There’s no better time to visit wine country than during harvest to experience the convivial spirit surrounding the season. Enjoy a great evening of sipping and socializing at the Ledson Castle, as the winery celebrates the 2019 harvest and toasts all the people behind it. Ledson’s award-winning will be perfectly paired with scrumptious appetizers. Special pricing will be offered. Mingle and chat with the winemaking team to learn firsthand about our harvest practices and what it takes to make such unique wines.
Ledson Winery & Vineyards, Kenwood
707-537-3823
ledson.com/wine-club/events
Sonoma County Harvest Fair
Oct. 4-5
In 2019, the Harvest Fair will mark its 45th year of showcasing Sonoma County’s grand harvest. Over 100 wineries are featured at the Grand Tasting Pavilion where guests can savor innovative cuisine from the Professional Food Competition, award-winning wines, and more. Everyone is invited to participate in the World Championship Grape Stomp.
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
707-545-4203
harvestfair.org
Schugtoberfest
Oct. 5
Join Schug in celebrating the 2019 harvest and its hundred-year-old German heritage. The Schug family’s winemaking roots begin along the Rhein River in Germany, at Dom√§ne Assmannshausen, where Walter Schug spent his childhood and his father Ewald was Winemaster. In the early 1900s, as the popularity of Munich’s Oktoberfest grew, small towns across Germany began throwing their own versions of the harvest festival. Schug continues this tradition with the annual Schugtoberfest.
Admission includes drink tickets, bites, live polka with dancing, and stunning views of Carneros.
Schug Carneros Estate Winery, Sonoma
7079399363
www.schugwinery.com/schugtoberfest
Pinot on the River
Oct. 5
The 16th annual Pinot On The River is a fun-filled weekend of Pinot Noir, in the beautiful Russian River Valley town of Santa Rosa on Old Courthouse Square. With over 40 wineries plus guest Artisan Food Vendors all on the downtown Old Courthouse Square, it’s a Sonoma County wine weekend you won’t want to miss.
Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
707-433-0433
www.pinotfestival.com
Hike and Taste in the Kunde Vineyards
Oct. 5
Join Kunde Vineyards for a fun, casual hike through their 1,850 acre volcanic and vertical estate. Meander through a range of distinct ecosystems and native habitats as you learn how each one uniquely contributes to the process of sustainable winegrowing for Kunde Family Winery. Experience grape to glass first hand by tasting wines along the way in the very vineyards where the grapes are grown. This moderately strenuous hike lasts approximately four hours.
Reservations are required; space is limited to 50 people. Pack a sack lunch and wear hiking boots or appropriate footwear.
Kunde Family Winery, Kenwood
707-833-5501
www.kunde.com
Harvest Festival at Landmark Vineyards
Oct. 5
Celebrate the bounty of Harvest at Landmark Vineyard’s Annual Harvest Festival. Featuring amazing BBQ and live music paired with exquisite Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Wine Society Hour: 11 a.m. – Noon
General Admission: Noon – 3 p.m.
Landmark Vineyards, Kenwood
707-833-0053
www.landmarkwine.com
Feast Above the River
Oct. 6
This unique experience is perfect for making memories with old friends and new. An unforgettable evening on the Guerneville Bridge with some of Sonoma County’s best of the best chefs, and world class Sonoma County Wines. Reception, mingle, wine and hors d’oeuvres kick off the evening from 4-5 with seating starting at 5 p.m. 21 and older please.
This is the first annual event on the bridge, in support of the Russian River Chamber of Commerce so that this organization may continue its efforts in support of local businesses.
Guerneville Bridge, Guerneville
707-869-9000
russianriver.com
Jeff Cohn Cellars Harvest Party
Oct. 6
It’s a Harvest Party at the winery! The fruits of Jeff Cohn Cellars’ labor await for an afternoon of wine tasting, food, and music. Taste the critically acclaimed 2016 wines. Fall club shipments will be available for pick up.
Jeff Cohn Cellars, Sonoma
707-938-8343
jeffcohncellars.com
Dog Hikes at Kunde Family Winery
Oct. 12
Join 4th Generation Winegrower Jeff Kunde, his wife Roberta, and their dogs Cooper and Kalie, for a hike through the breathtaking Kunde Estate. Enjoy a day with your pup as you hike through vineyard rows, oak woodlands, native grasslands and chaparral as you weave your way along paths that stretch from the valley floor up into the Mayacamas Mountain range. Along the way, you’ll learn about Kunde Family Winery’s sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices ‚Äì from grape to glass.
Pre-registration is required; space is limited. A wine tasting and wine country lunch is included.
Kunde Family Winery, Kenwood
707-833-5501
www.kunde.com/
Alexander Valley Vineyards Fall Estate Garden Brunch
Oct. 12
Join Alexander Valley Vineyards for their annual Fall Estate Garden Luncheon on October 12. Enjoy a tour of the winery led by family member Katie Wetzel Murphy along with a gourmet family style luncheon served with uniquely handcrafted AVV wines. Lunch will be served overlooking the garden on the Wetzel Family Estate patio and will feature a seasonal wine country meal with items straight from the garden.
Alexander Valley Vineyards, Healdsburg
707-433-7209
www.avvwine.com/
Trione Winery Dinner Under the Stars
Oct. 13
Join Trione Winery for an intimate evening hosted by the Trione family. The event begins in the tasting room with a white wine reception and continues at the communal dinning table where you will be treated like a king or queen and pampered with incredible food and wine. Indulge in a delicious, market inspired, garden fresh, dinner prepared by Peloton Culinary. Sip on Scot’s award winning wines; sample some new favorites and enjoy some library wines that were cellared and held back just for these dinners! This is an upscale farm-to-table dinner with a plated first course, family-style main courses, and a plated dessert‚Äîall paired with Trione wines made from our estate vineyards. After the dinner, finish the evening off right in the tasting room with a special wine. Celebrate the end of harvest with Trione in style! Dinner begins at 5 p.m. and ends by 8 pm. Come, bring your friends, enjoy great wine, food, and good company! Seating is limited to 35 people. $125 for general public and $85 for wine club members.
Trione Vineyards & Winery, Geyserville
707-814-8100
trionewinery.com/events/
CRUSH Art Walk & Wine at the Flamingo Resort and Spa
Oct. 19
Celebrate Sonoma County crush season at The Flamingo Resort and Spa on the weekend of October 19-20, 2019. With multiple events happening on the property, it’s your one-stop shop for the full Sonoma County experience. Start your weekend off with the Art and Wine Walk, featuring numerous wineries and artists. Feel good while sipping on local favorites, as $5 of each ticket will be directly donated to Canine Companions for Independence
Flamingo Resort and Spa, Santa Rosa
707-303-8621
www.flamingoresort.com/
Dutton-Goldfield Harvest Party
Oct. 19
Party with the DG team, wine club members, and guests in celebration of Dutton-Goldfield’s 21st Anniversary Harvest!
Enjoy a flight of the newest releases, highlighting the depth and breadth of the DG portfolio. Test your skills in their first-ever grape stomp competition! Learn more about DG’s special single-vineyard sites with an in-depth viticultural display, and test your olfactory acuity at the aroma station. Local wood-fired pizzas will be available for purchase. Live music by singer songwriter Sebastian St. James. Reservations recommended, but not required.
Dutton-Goldfield Winery, Sebastopol
707-823-3887
shop.duttongoldfield.com/Visit/Events
Papapietro Perry Harvest Winemaker’s Dinner
Oct. 19
Join Papapietro Perry Winery at the home of owners Bruce and Renae Perry along with owners Ben and Yolanda Papapietro for a special Harvest Winemaker’s Dinner.
Enjoy appetizers and wine on the winery’s newly expanded patio with a spectacular view of Dry Creek Valley. If Mother Nature cooperates, harvest will still be in full swing and you’ll have a front row seat to all the magic!
Then shuttle to Bruce and Renae’s home to dine al fresco on a fabulous meal prepared by Chef Jesse from Feast Catering, served family style.
Very limited seating!
Papapietro Perry Winery/Owner’s Home, Healdsburg
707-484-2272
papapietro-perry.com/events#HarvestWinemakersDinner
Healdsburg Crush
Oct. 20
Enjoy a fun-filled day of wine tasting in the beautiful town of Healdsburg. Stroll through the historic plaza while sampling from 60+ wineries as well as several local food vendors. This is a unique opportunity to try limited-production West Coast Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling Wines, and some long-time favorites all in one place.
The event will also feature a silent auction boasting a large collection of locally produced Pinot Noir, and raffles for instant wine cellars and premium large-format bottles. All proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin.
This event is for guests 21+.
Healdsburg Plaza, Healdsburg
707-528-7977
www.healdsburgcrush.com/
Fall Vineyard Hike at Jordan
Oct. 23, 24
Join Jordan Vineyard & Winery for a fall hiking excursion, featuring mountain views, wildlife, vibrant vineyards, lakes, wine tasting and more. Lace up your boots and experience the ultimate Sonoma County hiking adventure across the beautiful Jordan Estate, home to Jordan Vineyard & Winery. Your guided journey begins with a continental breakfast at the Winery Chateau before starting the four-mile hike, which begins and ends at the winery and traverses hills and valleys with an elevation change of about 300 feet. This moderate hike will pass through woods, meadows and sustainably farmed vineyards before a break at Jordan Vista Point, the highest hilltop of this peaceful 1,200-acre ranch, boasting a sweeping panorama of multiple wine regions and mountain ranges. There, you’ll enjoy Jordan Estate extra virgin olive oil tasting and refreshments before descending into the olive orchards and making your way around the lake and cattle pasture to reach the chef’s garden and apiary. The experience culminates on the winery terrace for a charcuterie picnic and wine tasting of Jordan Chardonnay and Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. Discover an adventurous way to experience wine country.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Healdsburg
800-654-1213
www.jordanwinery.com
Bacigalupi Fall Release and Harvest Party
Oct. 26
Enjoy a great afternoon of food and Bacigalupi Vineyards estate wines with the beautiful backdrop of harvest and fall colors. Sample new releases including the 2017 Zinfandel, 2017 Fondare, and 2017 Petite Sirah. Enjoy a selection of small bites curated to pair with each wine.
Advanced reservation required.
1 – 4 p.m.
Bacigalupi Vineyards, Healdsburg
707-473-0115
www.bacigalupivineyards.com
Olive Harvest Celebration and Lunch at Jordan
Nov. 1
Savor fall in Sonoma County wine country with an interactive olive harvest luncheon at Jordan Winery in Healdsburg. Celebrate the olive harvest season with a sensory experience at Jordan Estate. The festivities begin with a reception on the Winery Chateau terrace featuring Jordan Cuv√©e by Champagne AR Lenoble and an hors d’oeuvre pairing by our chef, followed by an interactive olive varietal demonstration and olive oil component tasting. You’ll also enjoy a sumptuous three-course lunch served al fresco, showcasing olive-centric recipes and fresh ingredients from our winery garden‚Äîall paired with Jordan Chardonnay and Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. After lunch, join us for an optional walking tour and olive harvest demonstration in our garden (weather permitting). Tickets go on sale September 4 at 9 a.m. PST and will be available until sold out. If you’re not on the mailing list, be sure to sign up or visit the event page at 9 a.m. to purchase your tickets.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Healdsburg
800-654-1213
www.jordanwinery.com/
MacLaren Winemaker Dinner
Nov. 2
Join Steve and Heather Law of MacLaren Wines for a special annual winemaker dinner.
Suite D, Sonoma
707-933-3000
www.thegirlandthefig.com
Wine and Food Affair
Nov. 2-3
Wine Road – Northern Sonoma County’s annual premier event is a full weekend of wine and food pairings in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys. All of the wineries participating will have a favorite winery recipe available online, which they will prepare both days for you to sample, paired with the perfect wine.
Various Locations – Wine Road, Northern Sonoma County, Healdsburg
707-433-4335
www.wineroad.com/events/wine-food-affair