Winesong at Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden

Calif. September Wine Festivals

TIBURON: Tiburon Wine Festival September 30, 2023, 1-4 p.m.
Point Tiburon Plaza
1701 Tiburon Blvd.
Tiburon, CA
$85-up, advance sales only, 21+ event
tiburonwinefestival.com
Sponsored by the Tiburon Chamber of Commerce
65 wineries, 10 restaurants
40th annual Tiburon Wine Festival  includes wines from Napa, Sonoma and as far afield as Italy and Hungary.  Enjoy exceptional food from local restaurants including The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina, Woodlands Market, Luna Blu, Sam's Anchor Cafe, Servino Ristorante, Tiburon Tavern, Salt & Pepper, The Caprice & The Petite Left Bank.  A great way to get to the festival and avoid traffic is to take the Golden Gate Ferry. This year there is a ferry departing San Francisco at 11:10 a.m. for a noon arrival. Attendee check in begins at noon so this is an excellent option for festival goers. 

FALLBROOK: Wine and a Bite Art Walk September 8, 2023, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Main Avenue
Fallbrook, CA 92028
$, fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
Stroll the Historic Downtown District, stopping at several venues where you’ll enjoy wine, a bite of gourmet food and a unique art experience at each stop!

OLYMPIC VALLEY: Alpen Wine Fest September 3, 2023, 2-5 p.m.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe
$, palisadestahoe.com
32nd Annual Alpen Wine Fest includes an all-inclusive wine tasting from over 40 exceptional wineries and live music. Open to all ages, but must be 21 years or older and present a valid ID to participate in the wine tasting.

ST. HELENA: Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration September 9, 2023.
 HALL St. Helena
401 St. Helena Hwy S.
St. Helena, CA 94574
$150-300, hallwines.com
(707) 967-2626
Harvest Celebration  includes California-inspired  coastal cuisine, live entertainment and more. 

LAFAYETTE: Art & Wine Festival September 23-24, 2023
3535 Mt. Diablo Blvd
Lafayette, CA
lafayettechamber.org | lafayettefestival.com
Cost: Free
Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

PLYMOUTH: Amador Vintners Barbera Festival, September 9, 2023, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Terra d'Oro. Taste  Italian wine grape varietal, Barbera, from over 40  California wineries across in this beautiful outdoor setting nestled in the Sierra foothills. Along with the grand tasting, festival goers can enjoy gourmet food from top chefs, live music & local artists. Location: 20680 Shenandoah School Road, Plymouth, CA. $59.74, cellarpass.com 

MOUNTAIN VIEW: Mountain View Art and Wine Festival September 9-10, 2023
mvartwine.com
10 AM-7 PM Saturday
10 AM-6 PM Sunday
Downtown Castro Street, between El Camino Real and Evelyn | Presented by the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce, this festival includes over 575 Artists and 250,000 Attendees

MILLBRAE: Art & Wine Festival  September 2-3, 2023, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Millbrae
Broadway - Between Victoria Ave. & Meadow Glen
Millbrae, CA
Free, millbrae.com
Millbrae Art and Wine Festival held each year on Labor Day weekend. Spectacular street fair features two days of bands & concerts, hand-crafted work approx. 300 talented artists and crafters, gourmet food, ice treats, wine, beer, champagne and specialty drinks, Classicly Cool Car Show on Saturday, home & garden exhibits, health & wellness displays and  Kids Zone.

SONOMA: Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival September 29-30, 2023
Includes both adult and youth grape stomps! Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival Grape Stomp
The number of teams will be limited. $, valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org

REDDING: Redding Beer & Wine Festival  September 16, 2023,  3-7 p.m. at Market Street Demonstration Block. Sip unlimited samples of craft beers and wines from local breweries and wineries. Chat with brewmasters and winemakers about their creative process. Savor tastes from local restaurant and food vendors while enjoying live music. Approx. 20 artisans display and sell their work. Location: 1721 Market St. Redding, CA. $55 presale, reddingbeerandwinefestival.com

TEMECULA: CRUSH 2023 Wine & Culinary Showcase Wines September 30, 2023 Time: 7:30-10:00pm.
Monte De Oro Winery
35820 Rancho California Rd.
Temecula, CA, 92591
$138-$148, temeculawines.org
21 yrs. and older
Showcasing wines from 30+ member wineries (there are approx. 46 members of Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association) in one location, enjoy walk-about wine and food tasting. Includes a souvenir logo glass. Temecula Valley is known as Southern California's Wine Country.

TEMECULA: Annual Grape Stomp at Maurice Car'rie Vineyard & Winery September 16, 2023, 5-9 p.m. Featuring grape stomping contest, wine specials, lawn games, dancing and live music by DJ Chris Static | Food and wine available for purchase throughout the event | Tickets available for purchase at ultimatevineyards.com, in the Tasting Room, or by calling 951-676-1711 (M-F 10am-5pm).

TEMECULA: 21st Annual Ponte Winery Grape Stomp  September 24, 2023, 4-9 p.m.
 35053 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92591
(951) 694-8855
$150-up, pontewinery.com
 Roll up your pant legs and get ready to stomp! In addition to grape stomping, music & dancing, and Ponte wine, all Grape Stomp guests enjoy an elaborate Italian buffet. This event sells out every year ! And that’s not all! Why limit the fun to one evening? Join us this year at our Annual Grape Stomp as we ring in autumn with the ultimate harvest season festival with 20% off standard room rates for stays September 23rd & 24th. Room package includes tickets for the Ponte Grape Stomp on September 24th for each registered hotel guest. Everything is included for event guests; Ponte wine, a spectacular Italian buffet, live music, dancing and the Grape Stomp competition (with prizes, to boot)! Rates and tickets are based upon availability.

LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Times Foodbowl evens throughout September 2023 begins with Launch Party September 6, 2023. Southern California's culinary scene shines at Grandmaster Recorders. $, lafoodbowl.com

• September 6, 7 p.m. Lemon Grove on The Aster Rooftop Taste the best of Food Bowl before anyone else! Enjoy an all-inclusive food and drink menu, Hollywood Hills views and the chance to rub elbows with James Beard Award-winners and Michelin Star chefs from L.A and around the globe. Brought to you by Singapore Airlines.
• September 12, 6 p.m. Park's BBQ Selected by the L.A. Times Food editorial team, this year’s Gold Award winner, Park’s BBQ, exemplifies L.A. cuisine and culinary excellence. Join us at the restaurant for a ceremony and dinner celebrating this prestigious award created by and named after legendary Times food critic Jonathan Gold.
• September 13, 7 p.m. Holbox L.A. Times food critic Bill Addison has awarded Holbox the L.A. Times Restaurant of the Year award. See why Holbox is the future of L.A. dining with a one-of-a-kind intimate dinner with curated courses featuring their Yucatan-style seafood specialities.
• September 22-24, 2023 Paramount Pictures Studios Backlot The most delicious weekend in L.A. happens at Night Market. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the hundreds of different flavors and cultures that make L.A. such a culinary melting pot - all on a historic Hollywood backlot.

MENDOCINO: Winesong Pinot Noir Celebration September 9, 2023, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden
18220 North Highway 1
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
$tickets, winesong.org  
Stroll through the lush Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens while enjoying vintages poured by world-class wineries from Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and beyond as well as beer, spirits, ciders, plus food bites from nearly 50 local and regional artisanal food purveyors. The tasting is accented by various musical groups performing a variety of styles including jazz, classical, blues, calypso and folk rock. Presented by the Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation as a fundraiser benefiting healthcare on the Mendocino Coast, the centerpiece of Winesong weekend is the Charity Auction featuring both a silent and live auction with nearly 200 lots featuring spectacular wines from the world's most prestigious wine producers, rare vintages, large format bottles and special verticals and horizontals, as well as original art from acclaimed California artists and highly coveted international and domestic vacation packages. 21+ event; no children or pets; no outside food or beverages allowed; no smoking anywhere within the gardens; held rain or shine - no refunds as all proceeds go to the charity.

DEL MAR: Del Mar Wine + Food Festival September 9-10, 2023
$, delmar.wine
Avada Festival   VIP & Early Entry, 12-4 p.m.
General Admission, 1-4 p.m.

• Grand Tasting Day One Saturday, Sep.9 VIP & Early Entry   12-4 p.m. General Admission  1-4 p.m.
• Grand Tasting Day Two Sunday, Sep.10 VIP & Early Entry   12-4 p.m. General Admission, 1-4 p.m.
• San Diego Wave FC Hosts the Opening Night Celebration Sep.6, 6-9 p.m.
• Raw Bar and Seafood Lunch with Chefs Drew Deckman and Jackson Kalb  Sep.7, 1-3 p.m.
• Chateau Montelena + Rare Society  Sep.7, 6-9 p.m. David Arthur Wine-Paired Dinner at Pamplemousse Grille  Sep.7, 6 p.m.
• Aaron May Whistle Pig Whiskey Paired Dinner  Sept 7, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
• Mille Fleurs 1er Cru Burgundy Dinner  Sep.7, 6:30 p.m. Tequila Reserva de la Familia and Adobe de Guadalupe Wine Paired Dinner at Valle  Sep.7, 6:30-10 p.m.
• Drew Brees Hosts the Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament Friday, Sep.8 12-4 p.m.
• Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston Host the Dos Hombres Mezcal Dinner Friday, Sept 8 6- 7 p.m. (Reception) 7- 9:30 p.m.  Winemakers of Napa Valley Tasting at Rancho Valencia Friday, Sep.8, 6-9 p.m.
• Moet Hennessy Paired Dinner at Pamplemousse Grille
•  Sep.8, 6 p.m. 
• Celebrating a Century of Grgich at Ranch 45  Sep.8
• Fine Wines of Tuscany Dinner with Chefs Jackson Kalb and Silvio Salmoiraghi at Cucina enoteca Sep.8  7-10 p.m.
• Catherine McCord Hosts Yoga & Brunch on the Deck at the Del Mar Plaza Saturday, Sep.9 Yoga: 8-9am Brunch: 9-10:30 a.m.
• Rob Machado Beach Cleanup and Seafood Brunch with Chefs Brian Malarkey and Aidan Owens Sunday, Sep.10 Beach Cleanup: 7:30-8:30a.m. Brunch: 9-11 a.m.

JULIAN: Grape Stomp Festa September 2, 2023, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Menghini Winery
1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA
$25, menghiniwinery.com

McKINLEYVILLE: Corks, Forks & Kegs September 23, 2023, 4-8 p.m. 20 tasting locations (approx.) include food and wine, beer samplings. $40-50, tickets, 21+, designated driver tickets available, too.  mckinleyvillechamber.com

LODI: Lodi Grape Festival September 14-17, 2023
Lodi Event Center
Lodi, CA
$12, grapefestival.com
Celebrate the grape harvest at the annual four day event filled with great entertainment, food, vendors, grape and commodity murals, competitive exhibits, carnival and of course, wine tasting.

CAPITOLA: Capitola Art & Wine Festival September 9-10, 2023
Free admission capitolachamber.com | capitolaartandwine.com
Capitola Village, Monterey and Capitola Avenues.
20+ Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, gourmet food from local restaurants and caterers, great music  just steps from the beach, 160+ fine artists and  Children's Art Area.
Sat, Sept 9, 10am - 6pm
Sun, Sept 10, 10am - 5pm
Wine tasting (21+) with purchase of 2023 Festival Glass ($15) and tasting tokens ($1 each). Tastings range from 2-4 tokens depending on wine of choosing.

SANTA CLARA: Art and Wine Festival September 16-17, 2023
Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Central Park
969 Kiely Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA
Free admission, santaclaraca.gov
This popular event features 150 artists and crafts vendors, 25 community groups serving delicious Festival food favorites,  vintners pouring fine wines, shaded beer garden, stellar live entertainment on three stages. Music includes: . Pascal Bokar, Stealin' Chicago, The Houserockers, East Side Funk, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Pop Fiction.
Pouring: Wente, J.Lohr, Guglielmo and Fortino Wineries will offfer a variety of both red and white wines.
Pricing: Beer (16 oz) & Wine (6 oz) Pours-$10. Glassware: Disposable glassware provided or bring your own. 2023

• Wine Selections: 2022 Fortino Pinot Grigio, 2018 Fortino Pinot Noir, 2021 Guglielmo PR Chardonnay, 2018 Guglielmo PR Zinfandel, 2021 J. Lohr Estates South Ridge Syrah, 2021 Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay, 2020 Wente Southern Hills Cabernet.
• Craft Beer: Amendment Brew Free or Die Blood Orange IPA, ABV 7%, Altamont Beer Works Maui Waui, ABV 6.5%, Elysian Brewing- Space Dust IPA, ABV 8.2%, Golden Road Mango Cart, ABV 4%, Hapa’s Amish Rifle, American Amber, ABV 5.8%,, Hapa’s Cosmic Cliffs Hazy IPA, ABV 6.9%, Shock Top-Belgian White, ABV 5.2%, Stella Artois-ABV 4.8%,

NEWPORT BEACH: Pacific Wine and Food Classic September 30, 2023
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
1131 Back Bay Drive
Newport Beach, Ca 92660
$200-250, pacificwineandfood.com
Oceanfront setting, unrivaled culinary experience, 100 premium wines, decadent cocktails made with Licor 43, and sumptuous bites from more than 30 restaurants and food purveyors. Cuban and Spanish classic Nuevo Latino cuisine from Habana, fresh-caught seafood from Hook & Anchor, locally sourced and seasonally inspired fare from Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens, authentic Central Mexican street-inspired cuisine from Descanso, award-winning giant paella from Villa Roma and Cambalache and more. Live music will provide the ultimate soundtrack to an idyllic weekend enjoying great vibes and beautiful coastal California vistas.

CAMPBELL: Downtown Campbell Fall Wine Walk September 21, 2023, 6-9 p.m.
Downtown Campbell Fall Wine Walk, East Campbell Ave. and North First
$50-55, downtowncampbell.com
30 wines in Downtown Campbell's night of wine tasting, where your wine glass will be your guide to the charming shops and eateries of Downtown Campbell at our annual Fall Wine Walk.

SAINT HELENA: Harvest Ball V. Sattui Winery September 16, 2023, 5:30-11 p.m.
V. Sattui Winery
St. Helena, CA
$335, vsattui.com
An evening of amazing food, wine, music and dancing.  This culinary journey through Italy prepared by Michelin Star Chef, Stefano Masanti, is expertly paired with top-tier wines – including Sattui's highest-rated Cabernets. Celebrating its 37th year in 2023, the spectacular soiree is a black-tie affair which includes a gourmet meal, wines and live musical tribute stage show.

FULTON: Kendall Jackson Farm to Table Dinner September 9, 2023, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Kendall Jackson
Fulton, CA
$225, kj.com
Experience the abundance of harvest season, showcasing the best of Sonoma County, at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens' Dinner Celebration.  Southeast Asian Fusion Theme features Liberty Farms Duck & Dry Creek Peaches 

HEALDSBURG: Harvest Party Let's Crush It AVV  September 16, 2023, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Alexander Valley Vineyards
8644 California 128
Healdsburg, CA 95448
$ avvwine.com  age 21+ only
AVV's  biggest all-day party of the year with grape picking & stomping, Wine-O Bingo, barbecue lunch and all-around fun on the historic Wetzel Family Estate.

PLYMOUTH: Barbera Festival September 9, 2023, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Terra d'Oro Winery
20680 Shenandoah School Rd Plymouth, CA.
$60 approx., barberafestival.com
Over 50 wineries -- Sierra Foothills, Paso Robles, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Livermore, Ventura County, Lodi and the Bay Area. 

VACAVILLE: Vaca Art, Wine & Brew Stroll September 16, 2023, 5-8 p.m.
Town Square.
$, downtownvacaville.com
Stroll downtown and enjoy  tastings of wine and food pairings with your passport ticket at this annual event in which you can visit local merchants who host guests at their shops. Use your passport to enter a raffle for prizes.

TEMECULA: South Coast Winery Fall Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp September 8, 2023, 4-8
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa 
Free, public invited, southcoastwinery.com
34843 Rancho California Road
Temecula, California 92591
Live music, wine country buffet, and Grape Stomping! Located in Vintner’s Garden at South Coast Winery & Resort, food and wine is available for purchase, local creative vendors set up, carnival games, a grape stomping area, and live music! This event is open to the general public, so be sure to bring your friends for a fun filled evening!

SAN BERNARDINO: Annual Wine & Food By the Lagoon September 14, 2023, 5:30-9 p.m. 
National Orange Show Foundation and community organizations celebrate an evening of fine cuisine, award-winning wine, craft breweries and community support. Location: National Orange Center, 689 South "E" Street San Bernardino, CA. $50-55, nosevents.com

AVALON: Catalina Island Women's Forum Wine Festival September 16, 2023, 1-4 p.m. This annual fundraiser features over 80 wineries, delectable hors d'oeuvres and smooth jazz. The M Restaurant, Avalon, CA $100, theciwf.org

LIVERMORE: Wine Wednesday September 13, 2023, 5-8 p.m.
Concannon Vineyard
4590 Tesla Road
Livermore, CA
No ticket required to attend, concannonvineyard.com
Marty’s Joint Food Truck to serve up comforting and delicious dishes, and you can explore a curated selection of small bites in  Tasting Room. Greg Lamboy, guitarist and vocalist performs on the Pavilion. Reservations are not available for this event, and seating is first-come, first-serve.

OAKLEY: Heart of Oakley Festival September 23, 2023, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Main Street between Vintage Parkway and Norcross Lane will be closed to auto traffic for the event.
Oakley's sandy soil and micro-climate host acres of ancient vines throughout the city. Enjoy a glass of wine made from some of Oakley's best grapes. Food vendors, beer sales and live entertainment. Free admission, heartofoakleyfestival.com

KELSEYVILLE: Lake County Wine Auction September 16, 2023, 5-10 p.m.
The Mercantile
4350 Thomas
Kelseyville, CA 95451
$175, winealliance.org

LIVERMORE: 140th Harvest Celebration September 9, 2023, 6 p.m.
Wente Vineyards
5050 Arroyo Rd.
Livermore, CA
$275, wentevineyards.com
Elegant, multi-course, farm-to-table dinner paired with Wente Vineyards wines under 100-year-old olive trees on a secluded parcel of the historic property. Join fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family for a one of a kind experience. Guests  transported to the olive grove by bus from Tasting Lounge property, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA. All guests must be 21 years or older to attend.

CLARKSBURG: Farm to Fork Uncorked September 1-4, 2023 Old Sugar Mill
35265 Willow Avenue
Clarksburg, CA 95612
oldsugarmill.com
Local wine, wine makers, and growers are highlighted in wine tastings, along with local Farm to Fork vendors from around Sacramento and the Delta region. A special concert with The Big Crush Band kicks off the weekend on Friday, Sept.1, 6-10 p.m. The concert costs $37.50-45

LOS GATOS: Los Gatos Art & Wine Fiesta de Artes September 16-17, 2023, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Los Gatos Town Center
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA
Free admission, losgatoschamber.com | losgatosfiesta.com
Free concerts, hundreds of artists and fine local wines...it is simply one of the best art and wine festivals around!

TEMECULA: California Wine Month Kick Off Party September 2, 2023, 6-9 p.m.
Monte De Oro Winery
35820 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 9259
$30, temeculawines.org
The Killer Dueling Pianos perform, there are bistro specials, and the annual California Wine Month sale on several award winning varietals. Your ticket includes admission to the event as well as a drink ticket good for 1 glass of wine or beer. This event is 21+.

 

 

Past events

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: Sample the Sierra September 14, 2019, 12-5 p.m.
Bijou Community Park
1201 Al Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, 96150
$55 approx., samplethesierra.com

RUTHERFORD: Barn Bash September 15, 2019, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Rutherford Hill Winery
A Napa Valley Winery
200 Rutherford Hill Road
Rutherford, CA 94573
$85, rutherfordhill.com
Kick up your heels and toast to this year's spectacular harvest party. Enjoy a special selection of Rutherford Hill and Terlato Vineyards wines paired with authentic BBQ fare. Rock out to live music in the Oak Grove

TRUCKEE: Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival September 20-22, 2019. 
Northstar California Resort
5001 Northstar Dr.
Truckee, CA
$45-250, northstarcalifornia.com
Festival brings together renowned winemakers and some of the regions finest chefs for 3 day weekend of wine tastings, culinary seminars, and mountaintop dining. 

 

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.