For winemakers, fall means harvest season and to celebrate the busiest time of the year Napa is abuzz with tons of grape stomping and harvest parties at wineries throughout Napa Valley from September to November. Activities include the chance to be a winemaker for a day, learning how to sort grapes, wine blending classes and more. There’s also plenty of vineyard tours and wine tastings, as well as multi-course meals and harvest parties. You also won’t want to miss the 9th Annual Mexican-American Vintner’s Association Harvest Festival, which is part of the regional festivities.
And just a hop and a skip from Napa is the seasonal harvest festival in the beautiful town of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, called “Healdsburg Crush,” celebrated on October 20th. Guests can stroll through the historic plaza as they sample a variety of limited-production pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling wines, from over 60 vintners. The event will also feature local food vendors, a silent auction and more. All of the proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin. While in town, be sure to check out nearby Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens. During Sept and Oct the winery hosts special outdoor farm-to-table dinners; or just wander the expansive 4-acre culinary gardens and seven wine sensory gardens.
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