Harvest Season

This column was originally published in the Benicia Herald on October 19, 2008. Although the event listings are out of date, it is harvest season again in the Napa Valley, so I encourage you to look at the listings in this piece as inspiration to seek out fun events happening this year in the Valley.

This week, I thought I'd talk a bit about the harvest season. Lots of wineries are gearing up for the harvest season and hosting special events to bring customers in to the tasting rooms. It is also around this time that a lot of the vineyards release new vintages.

As for me, I am excited to check out some of the new releases, but I am also excited to learn. It is during these harvest festivals that there are lots of chances to meet wine makers and learn about how wines are made at various estates.

Today, for example, there is a behind-the-scenes tour at St. Supery, a Riesling panel discussion at Copia and a Sunday brunch at Peju. But don't fret, there are plenty more activities coming up if you missed these three.

I'll start with an event on deck for next weekend. Head out to ZD on Saturday, October 25, to check out their 40th harvest celebration. During the normal tasting room hours (10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) ZD will offer up barrel tastings of their 2008 Chardonnay. The celebration will also coincide with the release of the 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The entire event takes place in the winery's upstairs vineyard view room, with views of Rutherford. ZD is at 8383 Silverado Trail, Rutherford. Call them at 800-487-7757 for more information, or drop in on Saturday with your $20 in hand.

November 1, the following Saturday, Luna Vineyards is the place to be. The winery will be sampling its newly-released 2006 Canto, a signature blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese. The wine has yet to be added to the tasting menu and winos who hit the tasting room that day will be some of the first to sample the goods. The tasting room is at 2921 Silverado Trail, Napa and will be open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 866-869-5862, ext. 123, for more information.

Finally, if you have ever dreamed of starting your own vineyard, or just love to keep learning about the industry, this event is for you. Wednesday, November 5, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Association is hosting the Viticultural Fair - a trade show for "the premium wine industry." No, this is not about tasting wines. This is about checking out the latest services and products out there for the serious wine maker. The admission price is only $10 - a steal for a trade show - and will be going all day, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Napa Valley Expo Fairgrounds, 575 Third Street, Napa. See you there!

For a really comprehensive list of events coming up in the Napa area, check out the event calendar at www.napavalley.winecountry.com. It has got more listings than anywhere else I can see.