Autumn 2019 Events in Sonoma County

Yup, it's harvest season when the grapes are a pickin' and the wine is a makin'. It's the perfect time of year for a visit. Following are the main wine and non-wine events from September through November. There's a lot going on! Enjoy the bounty of Sonoma County.
        

Harvest Fair grape stomp

September

10-12 National Heirloom Exposition at the Sonoma County fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. It's billed as the world's largest display of heirloom produce with speakers and music. Info

14-15 and 21-22 Sonoma Harvest Music Festival at B.R. Cohn Winery. Put on by the folks doing the highly successful BottleRock Festival in Napa. Info

19-21 Sonoma County Wine Auction at various locations. Info

27-29 Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival in Sonoma is the oldest festival in the state. Art, music, grape stomp, parade, activities for the kids, and lots of wine. Many events are free. Info

28  Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival. Info

28-29 Wings Over Wine Country. Airshow at the Sonoma County Airport. Info

October

NOTE: The first three events below are big deals so Santa Rosa is going to be busy on the first Saturday in Oct.

4-5 Sonoma County Harvest Fair in Santa Rosa at the county fairgrounds. Food, hundreds of award-winning wines, beer, music, and the "World Championship" Grape Stomp. End of an era as this is the last Harvest Fair. Info

5  Pinot on the River moves from Healdsburg to downtown Santa Rosa. There's still no river though the Santa Rosa Creek is nearby and it's the same day as the SoCo Harvest Fair, but if you always wanted to geek out on Pinot Noir here's your chance. This event sells out early. Info

5  Levi's GranFondo. Local professional cyclist, Levi Leipheimer, puts on a cycle event with multiple routes throughout the county so there's something for everybody. Or you can watch the pros in action. Info

6  Feast Above the River on the old bridge in Guerneville. Local chefs, small wineries. $150 so it must be good. Info

NOTE: Three chances for beer on the 12th. Hope you're thirsty.

12 Cotati Oktoberfest. Awards for best outfit, best yodeling, and weiner dog races, oom-pah bands. Info 

12 Sebastopol Craft Beer Festival. Info

12 Freshtival in Rohnert Park. Yes, another craft beer tasting. This one is for beers made within the previous week (fresh). Info

12-13 and 19-20 Tolay Fall Festival, Petaluma. A Sonoma County family tradition with hay rides, a pumpkin patch, and farm animals. Info

17-20 Alexander Valley Film Festival, Cloverdale, Geyserville, Healdsburg. Info

20  Healdsburg Crush. Wine and food on the plaza. Info

November

2-3 Wine and Food Affair. A northern Sonoma County food and wine event weekend with over 50 participating wineries. Info

11 Veterans Day Parade, Petaluma. Americana at its best. Info

Checking the juice
before making it into wine

Other Info

The harvest / crush / vintage - Grape harvest season is at its peak from about mid-Sep to mid-Oct (exact timing is up to Mother Nature). It's a great time to visit a winery where you can see some of the action on the crush pad. Be careful! The action is fast and furious and the workers are tired from long hours. Ask permission before approaching too closely.

Individual winery harvest events - Many wineries have their own harvest parties and winemaker dinners. Check with your favorites to see if they have anything going on.

Thanksgiving weekend - Most wineries are closed on Thanksgiving Day. The rest of the weekend is usually very busy with many putting on holiday open houses.  Check with your favorites to see if they have a special event.