Wine is a key part of California’s culture, with the state home to more than 4,800 wineries and over 610,000 acres of vineyards. In September, California celebrates Wine Month with events across various regions.
Throughout the month, wineries are offering activities such as harvest tours, grape stomps, festivals, and culinary experiences. These events highlight California’s role in producing over 80 percent of the nation’s wine.
Some notable events include guided hikes paired with wine tastings in Napa Valley, the Temecula Valley Crush event featuring wines from more than 30 producers on September 27, and a tasting of gold medal winners at the Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show from September 12 to 14. Escondido will host its Grape Day Festival on September 13 with grape stomping and local wine tastings.
In Monterey County, visitors can tour wineries along the Monterey Wine Trail or participate in the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk. Lodi will hold a charity race at Bokisch Vineyards on September 14 to support farmland preservation. The Sonoma County Wine Celebration takes place from September 18 to 20 and includes an auction benefiting local causes.
Other highlights include the Sounds of Summer festival in Placer County on September 6, Calistoga Harvest Table’s communal dinner on September 7 in Napa Valley, Groth Vineyard & Winery’s vineyard tour in Oakville on September 20, and Dine in the Vines at ONX Estate Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County also on September 20.
Sonoma will mark its bicentennial with the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival from September 25 to 27. Livermore Valley continues its Friday Night Live music series through September 19 at McGrail Vineyards. Yolo County’s Matchbook Wine Co. hosts its End of Summer Bash on September 27.
To further celebrate California Wine Month at home, California Grown has collaborated with California Wines and Visit California to create 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 dishes served throughout the state.
“Sign up for Visit California’s weekly travel inspiration e-newsletter and you’ll get a free copy of Iconic California Dishes to Celebrate California Wine Month, featuring classic California dishes like Avocado Salad with Hidden Valley Ranch-Style Dressing, and The Best Strawberry Shortcake inspired by the famous version served at Boccali’s Pizza in Ojai.”
