For wine lovers everywhere, California is a bucket list place to visit when it comes to wine tasting and winery hopping. Places such as Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Monterey produce an impressive amount of award-winning wines and the scenery surrounding these places only adds to the allure.
Many people would be surprised to learn that the foliage change in California wine country, especially places like Napa, would compete with those of the northeast United States. Napa Valley foliage usually peaks around mid-October and goes into November, Sonoma remains vibrant all through the month of October, while places such as Monterey will take until November to be seen. This allows for foliage to be seen all throughout the fall, no matter what month you plan on visiting!
The foliage coupled with the cooler weather that hits the region during the fall time gives that cozy autumn feel. In September the high for the day will normally be in the mid-80s, and by October the high usually stands at the mid-high 60s. Many restaurants will use the fall time to change their menus to include seasonal and local food, making for a unique and fun dining experience.
Perhaps one of the most exciting things about California wine country in the fall is the fact that it is harvest season, which means the grapes should be ripe and ready to be picked. Many wineries and wine regions will host events and festivals to celebrate this exciting time in their industry and since California produces 81% of the wine in the United States, these events do not disappoint.
Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine regions in North America, and with over 400 wineries in a 30-mile radius, harvest season here is unlike any other. Visitors to Napa during this time can participate in grape stomping, seasonal harvest dinners, and even more glamorous events such as galas and balls. There are also free family-friendly events that include parades, live music, and auctions. The area is also home to an impressive amount of notable restaurants with many offering farm-to-table and seasonal fare.
Not far away from Napa is Sonoma County, which offers around the same amount of wineries as Napa, however over a much larger area. Sonoma is known for its more laid-back atmosphere and is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and relaxed harvest season. Although their annual Sonoma County Harvest Fair has been postponed until 2022, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it normally entails 3 days of grape stomping, food pairings, and an endless variety of wine tastings. The restaurant scene in Sonoma is also impressive with many offering chef-curated tasting menus and high-quality local food.
Other wine regions around California celebrate the harvest season with their own flair on local festivals and events. Paso Robles, situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco, puts on their Harvest Wine Weekend featuring 3 days of grape stomps, wine and food tastings, open houses, and live music. Mendocino, one of the cooler climate regions in the area, offers absolutely stunning views, world-class Pinot Noir, and is perfect for wine and nature lovers alike. People who love Chardonnay should check out Livermore Valley, which can be traced to 80% of all California Chardonnays produced.
Fall time in the California wine region is truly unlike anything else. From cooler weather to cozy restaurants, iconic grape stomping, stunning foliage, and award-winning wines, there really is something for everyone. Harvest season is an exciting time for winemakers and visitors alike, which can be seen by the number of events and festivals put on during this time. September through November is truly a unique and special time to visit one of the most iconic wine regions in the country.
