In wine country, the late summer and early fall are abuzz with so much talk of harvest, they make pumpkin spice season look like child’s play. For generations, the harvest represents the fruits of our labors and is marked in Sonoma Valley with a whole season of celebrations. From the Annual Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival and individual winery celebrations to special restaurant tasting menus and winemaker dinners, the harvest is one of the most highly anticipated times of the year.
And while the harvest is undoubtedly the apex of the wine-growing season, it also serves to highlight the incredible cornucopia of produce the valley showcases in our local markets, farms, pumpkin patches and restaurants. It’s small wonder that Sonoma Valley has long been a hotbed of culinary genius. Author M.F.K. Fisher settled here in the last 20 years of her life at her “Last House” at the Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Bouverie Preserve. In 1956, Chuck Williams, founder of the famed Williams-Sonoma, opened his first store dedicated to French cookware—and the flagship store still stands over half a century later. And today, famous chefs like Alice Waters have built their reputations sourcing produce from the valley. One visit to our local farmer’s markets is proof enough!
If you are fortunate enough to visit Sonoma Valley, consider some of these ways to celebrate the harvest…
ATTEND THE VALLEY OF THE MOON VINTAGE FESTIVAL
Since 1897, this beloved annual Sonoma Valley event marks the end of the growing season and the birth of the new vintage as it turns from grapes to wine. Sponsored by the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance, the festival includes by the Legends Winemaker Dinner, a fun run, a daytime festival and public wine tasting, as well as the Grand Tasting.Tthis weekend of celebrations creates cheer and new awareness around Sonoma Valley’s six growing appellations and its distinct terroirs. Buy tickets now and book your visit early to get the best lodging experience for your taste and budget.
VISIT A WINERY AND ATTEND THEIR HARVEST EVENTS
Every winery celebrates harvest in their own way. Older wineries carry on the rituals of their predecessors, while newer wineries find ways of showcasing their harvest in new and exciting ways. If you have the opportunities, don’t miss the chance to experience crush, the time-honored tradition of crushing the grapes to kick-off fermentation, which some wineries allow visitors to participate in. Browse our directory of wineries and list of harvest events to see which may entice you!
ENJOY A SPECIAL CHEF OR WINEMAKER DINNER
Given the bounty here in the valley, sitting down to enjoy any meal here at a restaurant is already a treat. However, to have a meal curated for you by an acclaimed chef and/or winemaker makes it a real event! Special chef-inspired pop-ups and winemaker dinners work to optimize your tasting experience and take some of the complicated guesswork out of wine and food pairings. Be sure to check out our Events page or call your favorite restaurant or winery to inquire about upcoming dinners for the harvest.
LEARN ABOUT OLIVE OIL & CANNABIS
While the grape harvest gets most of the press in wine country, the olive and cannabis harvests are equally fascinating, as both are treasured crops that benefit from Sonoma Valley’s distinct microclimates and soils. Olive oil farms and ranches such as The Olive Press and McEvoy Ranch offer educational tastings and tours. Cannabis dispensaries such as SPARC or tour companies such as Happy Travelers sometimes partner with restaurants and chefs for tasting experience dinners and high teas. Come to these experiences as a curious participant and you’ll learn more than you ever imagined.
VISIT LOCAL FARMS & PUMPKIN PATCHES
In the fall, there’s nothing quite as magical as being close to the source of all the wonderful abundance the season has to offer with a visit to a local farm. Browse the gift shop at Oak Hill Farm for locally sourced jams, squashes, and homemade wreaths. Farm Trails online calendar will tip you off with all the fun activities there are to enjoy, then go wander the valley for all the interesting tours, pumpkin patches and family events there are to celebrate the season.
CAN’T BE IN SONOMA VALLEY BUT DON’T WANT TO MISS OUT?
Not everyone can be in Sonoma Valley during harvest season, but fear not! You can always bring Sonoma Valley home to you. Browse our wineries and find the best wines for your taste to send home, as well as our list of local recipes that are sure to whet your appetite for an in-person visit.
