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 behind-the-scenes harvest tours, festivals, grape stomps, culinary experiences, and more.
Whether you’re hopping on the Morgan Hill Wine Trolley, stomping grapes with a winemaker in Napa Valley, or enjoying a private tasting in the Anderson Valley in the North Coast region, there are dozens of events and experiences planned all over the state.
To get you started on your California Wine Month adventure, here are some excellent ways to celebrate. (To view the full calendar of California Wine Month events and activities, go to Discover California Wines.)
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. Tours operate March through November, and are limited to your group. Advance reservations are required, and tasting fees are additional.
Cultivate a new crush in Temecula Valley
Meet and mingle with winemakers at Temecula Valley Crush on Sept. 27, hosted by Monte De Oro Winery in Temecula. The walk-around tasting showcases wines from more than 30 award-winning producers from this Inland Empire hub, along with tasty bites from local caterers.
Taste winning wines in Mendocino County
Taste the “people’s choice” gold medal winners from the Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition Sept. 12–14 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.
Raise a glass to the grape in Escondido
Bring the family along to Grape Day Park in Escondido Sept. 13 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.
Hit the trail 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.
Race for a great cause in Lodi
Head for Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi on Sept. 14 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.
Raise a paddle for a charity in the Russian River Valley
Set for Sept. 18–20, the Sonoma County Wine Celebration features an opening reception at Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor on Friday, followed by a live auction on Saturday at Cline Family Cellars, where guests will have the opportunity to bid on everything from large-format wine collections to a behind-the-scenes racing experience at Sonoma Raceway. New add-on events on Thursday and Friday around Sonoma County include insider wine tours and special dining experiences with local winemakers and chefs.
Groove with hops, grapes, and bubbles
The grand finale of Placer County’s Sips and Suds Summer Passport is the Sounds of Summer festival on Sept. 6. Wander the grounds of the beautiful Gold Hill Gardens estate in Newcastle, in Gold Country, and enjoy local wine, bubbles, and beer. Meet winemakers, play games, and jam to live music.
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. 7. 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. 20, 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.
Wine and dine in San Luis Obispo County
On Sept. 20 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.
Celebrate Sonoma’s Bicentennial
The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival on Sept. 25–27 celebrates Sonoma’s 200-year heritage as a winegrowing region. Set on the historic Sonoma Plaza, the weekend features a harvest dinner at Viansa Winery, plus The Great Spritz Off spritz showdown at Three Sticks Wines, a grand tasting, a blessing of the grapes, and a competitive grape stomp.
Sips, Sounds, & Sunset Vibes in Livermore Valley
Celebrate summer in Livermore Valley at McGrail Vineyards’ lively Friday Night Live series, running through Sept. 19. 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. 27. Enjoy live music by the Todd Morgan Band, savory eats from Heavy D’s, and award-winning wines in a scenic vineyard setting. Festivities run from noon to 8 p.m. in Zamora.
You can also bring the harvest home with classic California recipes. California Grown has teamed up with California Wines and Visit California to create a free recipe e-book. 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.