Over the past few weeks, winemakers began to take the grapes off the vine. As the harvest comes to a close, why not toast all that hard work with a glass? Producers from the East Coast to the West Coast will be hosting events at their own wineries, or heading to festivals, to celebrate the end of the growing season.
Here are some events to add to your autumn calendar.
West Coast
Bike Oregon Wine Country Fall Colors Ride
October 6, 2019
Eola Hills Wine Cellars hosts this bike ride through part of Oregon’s wine country. Not only does the scenic 45-mile route allow participants to take in the fall colors, but there are stops along the way that include mimosas at the Bike Shop Monmouth, lunch near the Buena Vista Ferry and a red wine tasting at the Independence Hotel. At the route’s finish line, bikers can attend a post ride party with live music, food trucks and bottles from Eola Hills.
Catch the Crush
October 12–13, 2019
Celebrate the harvest with Washington’s Yakima Valley wineries, such as 14 Hands and JB Neufeld, at the annual Catch the Crush festival. Festival goers can expect grape stomps, winery tours, live music and of course, wine tastings. The festival’s premier pass gives exclusive access to library tastings and additional tours.
Harvest Wine Weekend
October 18–20, 2019
Put on by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, the Harvest Wine Weekend showcases the California region’s exceptional drinks and restaurants. More than 140 events take place at participating locations. For example, Still Waters Vineyards hosts golf cart tours of their winery and Sarzotti Vineyard and Winery has live music and barbecue.
Healdsburg Crush, Pouring on the Plaza
October 20, 2019
The Healdsburg Crush is an annual festival that raises money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin in Santa Rosa, California. Taking place in the heart of downtown Healdsburg, guests taste pours from around 60 wineries that include Kendall-Jackson and Hirsch Vineyards, as well as food from local vendors. Those who attend have the chance to sample some limited production wines and the opportunity to participate in a silent auction.
Fall Release Weekend
November 1–3, 2019
Organized by the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance, the Fall Release Weekend is the perfect place to take in beautiful views and be among the first to sample newly released wines. Guests can also attend numerous events at participating wineries, such as live music and cheese pairings at Northstar Winery or a food and wine dinner at Dama Wines.
Northeast
Central Jersey Beer & Wine Fest
October 12, 2019
Taste more than 175 beers and wines at the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds in New Jersey. While a general admission ticket gets you access to the food trucks and live music, purchase a beer and wine tasting ticket or a VIP ticket to sample some unique pours.
NYC Autumn Wine & Food Festival
October 19, 2019
In its seventh year, the NYC Autumn Wine & Food Festival gives guests the opportunity to sample more than 100 different pours from all over the world. Alongside the wine, there is also be cheese, crackers and pasta from artisan producers, many of whom are local. Several winemakers from New York locations, such as Dr. Konstantin Frank and Ferreira-Carpenter, will also be at the event to discuss what they are pouring.
Peripheral Natural Wine Festival
October 26, 2019
Billing itself as the first and only natural wine festival in the Hudson Valley, this event is not to be missed. Now in its fourth year, participants include Old Westminster Winery, David Bowler Wine and T. Edward Wines. The event takes place at Backbar in Hudson, New York, which is co-owned by Zak Pelaccio, chef at nearby Fish & Game, a Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wine Restaurant.
4th Annual Harvest Festival
October 26–27, 2019
Toast the season’s harvest at Rhode Island’s Newport Vineyards. This two-day festival features live music from Dudemanbro and Los Duderinos, food created by the winery’s culinary team, Taproot beer and local wines. Feeling competitive? Participants can take part in a pie-eating contest or a grape-stomping competition.
Midwest and Southwest
Harvest Wine Festival at La Viña Winery
October 19–20, 2019
From noon–7 pm, festival goers enjoy 20 different wines at La Viña Winery in New Mexico. Each day also features three live musical acts. And while kids under 11 get in for free, adult admission to the festival includes a souvenir glass with a choice of nine samples or one full glass.
Michigan Food, Beer and Wine Festival
November 2, 2019
Breweries like Bell’s and wineries like Thunder Bay and Cherry Creek will be at Michigan Food, Beer and Wine. Every admission comes with 10 beer and wine sample tickets with additional tickets available for $1. There’s also five food sample tickets, which can be used at any of the participating restaurants and bakeries. For the first time this year, the festival features liquor, so look for Detroit City Distillery.
Estes Park Holiday Wine Festival
November 30–December, 1, 2019
This is the inaugural for the Estes Park Holiday Wine Festival. The event features more than 150 samples from Colorado wineries, which includes reds, whites, meads and ciders. Guests can also expect live music and holiday-themed vendors. Ticket purchases also come with a commemorative wine glass and tote bag.
Published on September 25, 2019