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 just outside of Sonoma at Gloria Ferrer. While the winery is known for its acclaimed sparkling wines and stunning vineyard views, you’ll also find a variety of worthwhile culinary experiences on offer. Further north is the picturesque Benziger Family Winery, a Sonoma Valley staple for its scenic landscapes, sustainably-grown wine, and educational tasting and tours. Just ahead you’ll find Chateau St. Jean, a longtime producer of Sonoma wines. This beautiful chateau makes for a wonderful stop for wine tasting or a picnic lunch.

But don’t stop there. In the Russian River, MacRostie Winery is a stunning winery dedicated to making elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. And up near Healdsburg, you can pay a visit to Chalk Hill Estate, where vineyard vistas, immersive excursions, and highly acclaimed estate wines await. Last but certainly not least is Silver Oak’s modern Alexander Valley tasting room, a sleek, barn-inspired estate overlooking the surrounding vineyards.

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.

Further north in the Sonoma Valley is Glen Ellen, which may be small, but is big on flavor. Check out Songbird Parlour, where modern farm-to-table fare highlights the bounty of Sonoma. Nearby is Glen Ellen Star, a cozy, yet bustling restaurant showcasing wood-fired pizzas and vegetables.

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.

Want to savor incredible fare at a winery? Check out J Vineyards & Winery—home to their fabulous Bubble Lounge. In addition to fine dining and wine pairings, the winery hosts an exciting guest-chef series called Shifting the Lens. Did someone say multi-course pairing menus and intimate discussions on food, wine, and culture you won’t find anywhere else? Sign us up! Also worth your time is Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s restaurant, Rustic, where you can nosh on Italian-inspired, family-style fare within the beautiful dining room or out on the terrace overlooking vines.

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:

1. August 30 brings Iron Horse Vineyards’ Harvest Magnum Experience. Settle in for an afternoon of sparkling wine, all poured from magnums, alongside charcuterie (and caviar if you so choose)!
2. On September 13th, 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.
3.  The Sonoma County Harvest Fair on October 11 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.
4. Mark your calendars for October 12th, 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.

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.