Harvest in Sonoma County means vineyards are abuzz with energy as the grapes are picked, and the magic of winemaking truly comes alive. Add in those gorgeous golden hues in the vineyard, delicious farm-to-table eats around every corner, and uber-cozy stays offering vineyard views, and it’s no wonder why harvest in Sonoma has captured many hearts, including ours.

When you’re ready to fill your soul with the tastes, sounds, sights, and, yes, even the smells of harvest, here’s your guide to visiting Sonoma County during harvest season.

Where to Go Wine Tasting During Harvest

From the stunning sights of grapes ready to be harvested, to the joyful clinking of glasses after said grapes have been picked, harvest is an affair to remember… and you better be experiencing some of it with a winery visit or two! A little tip, though: be sure to ask wineries in advance if they offer any special tours or hands-on harvest experiences—trust us, they won’t disappoint.

Now, let’s dive into it, shall we? You can start your wine tasting journey at the picturesque Benziger Family Winery, a Sonoma Valley staple for its scenic landscapes, sustainably-grown wine, and educational tasting and tours. Afterwards, head to Ledson Winery, which is like stepping into a fairy tale in Sonoma Valley. With its stunning castle façade and large selection of wines, Ledson promises a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in this region.

But don’t stop there. MacRostie Winery, a stunning winery dedicated to making elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the region, is another must-stop in Sonoma County. You’ll adore both its acclaimed wines and incredible views. Same with Jordan, an expansive vineyard and winery outside of Healdsburg, where delightful Cabernet and Chardonnay wines can be sampled alongside exquisite culinary bites amidst a breathtaking setting. And at the Russian River Valley’s Iron Horse Vineyards, tastes of acclaimed sparkling wines are enjoyed with serene vineyard views from the casual outdoor tasting space.

Where to Dine During Harvest

Follow your epic day of wine tasting with the perfect meal, because in Sonoma, great food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a way of life. The girl & the fig has long been a beloved downtown Sonoma restaurant for its rustic French cuisine prepared with a California touch.

Just north of Sonoma is Glen Ellen Star, one of our favorite stops in Sonoma Valley. We adore the cozy, yet bustling ambiance and, sure, the local drink list is on point, but let’s be honest: it’s really all about the wood-fired pizzas and vegetables, which have a fan following of their own. Psst.. keep an eye out for Glen Ellen Star’s sister restaurant, Stella, opening in Kenwood soon.

You thought we were done dishing out the culinary hits? Think again, because every foodie must savor a meal or two in Healdsburg. Here, you can nosh on everything from plant-based delights at Little Saint to wood-fired pizzas at Roof 106 at The Matheson, and even 10 courses of Japanese-inspired delicacies at the Three-Michelin-starred SingleThread.

Just outside of Healdsburg is a slightly unexpected fine dining destination: J Vineyards & Winery. In addition to their fabulous Bubble Lounge food and wine experience, the winery hosts an exciting guest-chef series called Shifting the Lens. Did someone say five-course pairing menus and intimate discussions on food, wine, and culture you won’t find anywhere else? Sign us up!

Events During Harvest in Sonoma

When those grapes start making their way from vine to winery, Sonoma resonates with the joyous spirit of the season, so let’s make sure your harvest calendar is as full as your wine glass. We’ve highlighted a few of the season’s happenings below, but see all harvest events in our Sonoma Events Calendar.

On September 21st, don’t miss the Paella Harvest Celebration at Kenwood Vineyards. Led by winemakers Ben Myers and Mark Beaman, you’ll sip on the winery’s latest vintages, boogie to live music, and dig into a mouthwatering paella feast among the vineyards. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair is another can’t-miss festive event during harvest season. You’ll wine taste your heart out while learning more about Sonoma’s agricultural and recreational industries—but the star of the show is the official wine judging where over 900 wines are put to the test.

And mark your calendars for October 13th, when the popular Healdsburg Crush returns to the Healdsburg Plaza. This fun tasting event provides the opportunity to sample Pinot Noir and sparkling wines from over 60 California producers. It’s like trick-or-treating for adults, only classier!

Where to Stay During Harvest

After sipping and sampling the best of the season, you’ll want to rest those wine-happy heads in style and comfort.

Conclusion

If you want to see Wine Country come alive with the sights and sounds of harvest, now’s the time to book your trip to Sonoma County. From hands-on experiences to gastronomic delights, we hope you indulge in every facet of this enchanting time of year. And don’t miss our Napa Valley Harvest Guide for more harvest travel inspiration. Cheers to Vintage 2024!