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. As the home of 610,000 acres of vineyards, more than 100 different grape varieties, and 4,800 wineries, California produces more than 80 percent of the nation’s wine. That’s a major achievement that calls for a big celebration.
Throughout the month of September—officially designated as California Wine Month—wineries from all over the state are hosting dozens of behind-the-scenes harvest tours, festivals, grape stomps, culinary experiences, and more.
To get you started on your own California Wine Month getaway here are some excellent ways to celebrate. (To view the full calendar of California Wine Month events and activities, go to Discover California Wines.)
Taste winning wines in Mendocino County
Taste the “people’s choice” gold medal winners from the Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition Sept. 18–20 at the Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show. Held at the Boonville fairgrounds in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley, this family-friendly event showcases local wines, apples, produce, and crafts.
Groove with grapes and hops
Get a taste of Placer County’s Wine Trail at the Foothills Wine & Brewfest, set at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn: Taste local wines and beers paired with barbecue, live music, and Sierra foothill scenery.
Take a hike in Napa Valley
Celebrate California Wine Month with a guided hike through Napa’s wild hills, oak woodlands, or redwood groves with Active Wine Adventures. After a scenic 5‑mile trek (approximately 2.5 hours), guests are chauffeured by SUV to a small‑production winery for a relaxing picnic lunch and exclusive wine tasting. Hike-based tours typically operate March through November, while other, all-driving tours operate year-round. Advance reservations are required and tasting fees are additional.
Dine at a 1,000-foot table in Calistoga
Experience one of Napa Valley’s most remarkable harvest celebrations at the Calistoga Harvest Table on Sunday, Sept. 13. This annual tradition transforms Lincoln Avenue into a 1,000-foot-long communal table, where 12 local restaurants serve seasonal, wine country–inspired menus paired with selections from 12 Calistoga wineries. As the sun sets over the valley, enjoy live music and world-class wines in a magical alfresco setting.
Explore a winery inside and out in Napa Valley’s Oakville
On Sept. 19, Groth Vineyard & Winery in Oakville hosts a Vineyard and Cellar Walk. Tour the vineyard, then enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit of the cellar; the team that makes the magic happen will shine light on the process. The tour finishes with a picnic-style lunch on the lawn.
Go on a top-ranked cave tour & estate tasting
Celebrate California Wine Month with Baldacci Family Vineyards' immersive 90-minute tour, recently ranked #1 in California by USA Today’s 10Best. Begin with estate-grown sparkling wine, then head into the dramatic cave for storytelling and barrel tasting. Finish with a seated tasting of three estate wines paired with seasonal bites. Family-owned and CCOF-certified organic, the Napa Valley winery spotlights sustainability and a true connection to its Stags Leap District terroir.
Celebrate Sonoma’s two centuries of wine
The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival on Sept. 24–27 celebrates Sonoma’s 200-year heritage as a winegrowing region. Set on the historic Sonoma Plaza, the weekend features a harvest dinner outside Sonoma City Hall, plus a blessing of the grapes, a gun run, and a competitive grape stomp in Sonoma Plaza.
Race for a great cause in Lodi
Head for Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi on Sept. 13 for a 5K or 10K race to support a great cause: preserving the region’s farmland. Race to Slow the Pace starts at the winery and weaves its way through the vineyard, giving runners a chance to appreciate the scenic natural habitat. The trail run ends with a paella lunch and Spanish-style wines under the winery’s shady oak trees.
Sips, sounds, & sunset vibes in Livermore Valley
Celebrate summer in Livermore Valley at McGrail Vineyards’ lively Friday Night Live series, running through Sept. 25. Enjoy an evening of live music on the vineyard lawn paired with award-winning McGrail wines, rotating local food trucks, and sweeping views of the rolling hills (it’s recommended to bring a blanket or lawn chair).
Say farewell to summer in Yolo County
Usher in the fall season with a bang at Matchbook Wine Co.’s annual End of Summer Bash on Sept. 26. Enjoy live music by Soul non Blind, savory eats from San Tacos, and award-winning wines in a scenic vineyard setting. Festivities run from noon to 8 p.m. in the town of Zamora.
Hit the wine trails in Monterey County
Spend the day in beautiful Monterey County touring wineries along the Monterey Wine Trail. With a dozen stops to choose from, you’re sure to find some new favorites. If you’d rather explore on foot, follow the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk, which includes a fun variety of tasting rooms and wine bars within this charming European-style village.
Wine and dine in San Luis Obispo County
On Sept. 19 in San Luis Obispo County, enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and dinner at Dine in the Vines, held at the ONX Estate Vineyard, located in the Templeton Gap District of the Paso Robles AVA. A chef will prepare the multicourse meal, paired with wines from the ONX team.
Hike, laugh, and taste your way around Conejo Valley
The wineries of Southern California’s Conejo Valley celebrate Wine Month in creative ways. Malibu Wine Hikes offers beginner-friendly hikes, guided 4x4 adventures, and vintage VW wine bus tours at Saddlerock Ranch, while Mizel Estate Wines offers art-and-wine classes, outdoor yoga, and sound bath sessions. Or head to Cielo Farms, where the vineyard hosts live music sessions during Golden Hour and a Malibu Comedy Night.
Go global in Temecula Valley
Sample some of the diverse wines of Temecula Valley as well as European wine at The Great Taste of Europa Village, set at the winery resort that embraces the wine traditions and cuisine of Spain, France, and Italy. Your ticket grants you tastings from more than 50 wineries, as well as access to the beer and spirits garden and a deep selection of small bites.
Raise a glass to the grape in Escondido
Bring the family along to Grape Day Park in Escondido Sept. 5 for the Escondido Grape Day Festival. The free festival in San Diego County dates back to 1908 and includes grape stomping, local wine tasting, food vendors, antique farm machinery, children’s games, and live music.
