4 Things to do In Wine Country in October
Author:Annette HanamiThe 487-person-long Napa Valley Wine Wave has come and gone with records crashing down like a pile of hastily stacked wine glasses, but there is still plenty to do in Wine Country in October.
1. Celebrate a sparkling anniversary at Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros marks their 25th anniversary with a retrospective tasting of their best sparkling wines of the last three decades, paired with delectable bites. Held every Friday in the month of October from 3:00–4:30 p.m., these sparkling sips are a perfect way to start off your wine country weekend. $55 per person, reservations required. 1240 Duhig Road, Napa
2. Explore artisanal winemakers at the Pinot on the River Festival in Healdsburg
Freixenet
Immerse yourself in Pinot Noir from throughout the West Coast at this signature tasting held on Healdsburg Plaza Sunday October 21. Over 100 small-lot producers will pour their hand-crafted wines at the Grand Tasting from 12–4 p.m., joined by select artisan food vendors. $75 pp ($85 pp early entry 11 a.m.) or $150 pp VIP all-day pass including a seminar with Littorai winemaker Ted Lemon beginning at 9 a.m.
3. Get into the spirit of Hollows’ Eve at a Ghost Winery
Ladera Vineyards
Go back in time to 1886 when Adolph Brun and Jean V. Chaix navigated their way through this dimly-lit stone winery on Howell Mountain with lanterns. During October, Ladera Vineyards takes you to the dark side with a Twighlight Ghost Tour of their fully restored winery and expansive caves, ending with a treat of Ladera Vineyards wines and assorted cheeses and chocolates. $75 per person, reservations required (707) 965-2445
4. Taste fall’s flavors at A Wine & Food Affair in Northern Sonoma wine country
Wine Road
Plan ahead for Northern Sonoma County vintners’ premier food and wine event of the year on November 3 and 4. Over 100 producers from Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley open their doors to pour their signature wines and serve up the delicious dishes they contributed to the Tasting Along the Wine Road cookbook. Look for pumpkin red curry, osso bucos, wild game stew, ribs of all kinds and duck and pork cassoulet. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., purchase tickets in advance $70 pp both days or $50 for November 4 only, cookbook included.
