The 2015 grape harvest season is coming to a close, but if you plan quickly, you still get in on the great action, up-close and personal with the vines, the winemakers, and of course, the wine.
Franciscan Estate Winery Harvest Party Grape Stomp – 2 to 4:30 p.m. October 10, 2015
Hurry quick and grab tickets for this always boisterous, good time gathering of grape stomping, live music and food. The property specializes in small-lot winemaking, which you’ll experience first-hand, or should we say first-foot – through the winemakers don’t actually use their feet to crush the grapes, they promises.
1178 Galleron Road, St. Helena, 707-967-3993
Grgich Hills Estate -10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for the next week, fresh grapes permitting
Prove your prowess with grape stomping by creating a custom t-shirt decorated with your very own grape-stained footprints. The family owned and family friendly winery has ling specialized in an old fashioned foot squashing gala to celebrate harvest, and the $30cost includes your souvenir shirt plus a generous wine tasting. Kids are welcome too – they can stomp and create a “stained” t-shirt of their own for $15.
1829 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, 707-963-2784
Jordan Estate Harvest Lunch – select dates through Oct. 16, 2015
All it takes is some tasty purchases of Jordan Wines, direct from the winery or online, and you collect reward points that can be redeemed toward food and wine events at the Alexander Valley estate. A harvest lunch is one of the most popular excursions, hosted at the French-style chateau through Oct. 16. Chef Todd Knoll prepares a daily-changing family-style, wine-paired menu including many ingredients sourced from the Jordan garden. Take in the views from the terrace, the crush pad, or even in the barrel room, usually in the company of the winemaker and other winery talent.
1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-5250
Field Stone Winery & Vineyards 5th Annual Harvest Festival – noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 24, 2015
What’s more exciting that touring vineyards with the whole family via a horse drawn carriage ride? Animal guardian Stuart Schroeder of the Stone Horse Farm of Sonoma County leads the show with his gorgeous draft horses, and your $20 ticket (kids up to age 12 free), includes food, crafts for the kids and Field Stone wines. Reservations are requested by Oct. 19.
10075 California 128, Healdsburg, 707-433-7266
Staglin Family Vineyard Harvest Party – 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2015
Get thee to this estate at the base of the western slopes of Mount St. John, and enjoy tours of the vineyards, the barrel room and the crush pad. The family-friendly gathering is staged as a celebration for winery workers, so be sure to thank them for their hard work, as you savor library wines and new releases, all paired with lots of food like paella, carnitas and ice cream plus rocking live music – what a deal for a $100 ticket.
1570 Bella Oaks Lane, Rutherford, 707-963-3994
Tip: Make a green entrance to the harvest parties, by hiring a private limo or Town Car for door-to-door service. Pure Luxury Transportation is a leader in environmental responsibility. As members of Green Ride Global™, Pure Luxury has committed to GHG emissions reductions from all areas of the company’s business operations of 20 percent over the next 5 years.
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