California Celebrates Wine Month

September is California Wine Month, and the wine-drenched celebrations span the state. Throughout the month, wineries, regional associations, and other organizations are hosting exclusive tastings, food pairings, festivals, concerts, grape stomps, and vineyard hikes, among other festivities. Partner retailers and restaurants are also celebrating with activities and special offers.

Now in its 14th year, California Wine Month pays tribute to the Golden State’s 250-year-long winegrowing history. Home to 4,800 vintners and 5,900 growers, California is the fourth-largest wine producer in the world. It produces 81 percent of the wine made in the U.S., and is the country’s most visited state for food- and wine-related activities—24 million visitors come to reap its bounty each year.

Here’s a selection of the events visitors can participate in this month.

Sept. 7-9: Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival, Northstar California Resort, Truckee
Sept. 8: VINO-Palooza Wine & Music Festival, Marina Del Rey Hotel, Los Angeles
Sept. 8-9: Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival, Capitola Village in Santa Cruz County
Sept. 13-16: Lodi Grape Festival, Lodi Event Center
Sept. 15: Sample the Sierra–Lake Tahoe Farm-to-Fork Festival, Bijou Community Park, South Lake Tahoe
Sept. 22: Zinfandel: Stories from Napa Valley, Culinary Institute of America at Copia, Napa
Sept. 28: Sip & Saunter, San Luis Obispo
Sept. 29: Temecula Valley Crush, Monte De Oro Winery, Temecula

The full list of updated events can be found at DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com/Events