My favorite time of the year has officially arrived. There’s something about September. The cool night air, the changing of leaves, harvest, and of course, those Pumpkin Spice Lattes….
But, in California, there’s always something a bit more to celebrate with California Wine Month. Throughout the month of September, the various wine regions throughout the state throw some EPIC parties and events.
And of course, we’re here to tell you about them:
Livermore Wine Valley:
Crooked Vine and Stony Ridge Winery Tasting Room
As one of the oldest California Wine Region’s to date, there’s no better reason to come pay a visit. For those in the Bay Area, this wine region is so dang close not to.
This weekend September 6 marks their annual Harvest Celebration where all the various wineries in the area come together for an epic event of food, wine, and art. Not to miss this Labor Day weekend as the valley celebrates it’s 34th Harvest Celebration Event.
Santa Cruz Mountains:
Set aside the weekend of September 12th, for the 33rd Annual Capitola Art and Wine Festival. With 23 wineries in toll, local restaurants, 160 artists, crafts and music, it’ll be a GREAT event to attend.
Sonoma County:
Labor Day Weekend marks the highlight for Sonoma County Wine as the annual Wine Country Weekend takes place across the area. Taste of Sonoma, Live Auction, and more throughout this weekend. A truly spectacular weekend for any wine lover.
The weekend of September 25-27 is the annual Sonoma Valley CRUSH weekend, where, local wineries of Sonoma Valley come together to celebrate the Harvest Season. Get behind the scene tours, grape sampling, and more throughout this entire weekend.
And of course, you can’t forget the Sonoma Vintage Festival, an annual tradition since 1897! Celebrating Sonoma’s bounty, community and local culture. Partake in a Grape Stomp, get together with the community, and just enjoy the weekend fun.
Napa Valley:
Lets be honest, when isn’t there a fun celebration or event happening in Napa? September is the perfect time to plan your ultimate getaway. The Valley has various tours, events taking place throughout the entire month… just look up your favorite winery and away you go!
Lodi:
Another favorite September event happens in Lodi during their SIP Savor Lodi event. This year happening the weekend of Sept. 25-27.
Head further inland on September 18 as Madera Vintner’s Association celebrates California Wine Month. The night will offer wine tasting from local wineries, food by a variety of local restaurants and live music. The Association will be announcing special awards for wine industry professionals and guests will have the opportunity in the People’s Choice Award to vote for their favorite wine of the evening. Proceeds benefit the Community Food Bank.
Central Coast:
Book a weekend getaway to my favorite part of California during one of these fantastic events:
The event I’m most looking forward to this September: Sunset SAVOR Central Coast (September 24-27). Their 6th year of this event, and it gets BETTER and BETTER every year. This year brings a whole new food and music event on opening night (Strings at Sunset), September 24, at Vino Robles Amphitheater. This four-day wine and food extravaganza takes place at the renowned Santa Margarita Ranch and throughout San Luis Obispo County.
Mark you calendars for September 13th for “Taste of the Town Santa Barbara” for a fun day on the town as you taste various foods and wines across Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley.
SoCal:
Attend one of the best “End of Summer” events at the Los Angeles Times “The Taste” this labor day weekend. Taste some of the food from some of the best chefs across LA along with good wine.
Celebrate Southern California’s vibrant culinary scene at Paramount’s iconic backlot, presenting five events with leading chefs and restaurants in L.A. and unlimited tastings. Guests can learn more about wine and food during special seminars and live demos.
And then head down to Temecula for one of their BEST annual events: CRUSH: Temecula Valley Wine and Culinary Showcase. This year, the event takes place on September 19.
Lake Tahoe:
If a lake is calling your name, have no fear, as Lake Tahoe has some events not to miss this month including the annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival taking place the weekend of Sept. 11-13. Just what doesn’t this event offer: wine and food pairings, celebrity chefs, wine seminars, cooking demos, Farm-to-Tahoe Dinner, the Blazing Pans Mountain Chef Cook-Off, kids cook-off, a “winemaker for a day” immersion class, hikes, gourmet marketplace, culinary competition and grand tasting, winemaker dinners and live entertainment.
There’s no better time to book a weekend getaway to a favorite California Wine Region.
