From unexpected pairings to new ways to explore wine country, California Wine Month invites people to enjoy wine on their own terms
California Wine Month returns this September with a fresh invitation to rethink when, where and how wine fits into everyday life. This year’s statewide theme, “Pour Outside the Lines,” encourages consumers to discover unexpected pairings, new experiences and their own ways to enjoy California wine. Officially recognized by the California State Legislature, California Wine Month celebrates the wines, people, places and experiences that make the Golden State one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse wine regions.
“Harvest is a special time in California wine country because it brings you closer to the people, land and agricultural traditions behind every bottle,” said Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. “California’s winegrape growers and vintners have always combined a deep respect for the land with a willingness to innovate. California Wine Month is a wonderful opportunity to experience both.”
The idea comes at a time when consumers are looking for wine to feel more relevant to the lives they already lead. Rather than creating new occasions for wine, the opportunity is to broaden what feels “wine-worthy” — from pizza night and backyard barbecues to relaxing at home or getting together with friends. Recent consumer research conducted by Material for Wine Market Council reinforces that shift, pointing to a desire for wine to feel simpler, more relatable and easier to make your own, with fewer rules about how to choose it, what to pair it with or how to enjoy it.
“Wine doesn’t need a special occasion to make a moment special,” said Steve Gross, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “The opportunity for our wine community is to broaden the way people think about where wine fits in their lives. That means making wine easier to discover, helping it feel relevant to more everyday moments and giving people the confidence to explore it on their own terms. California has always been a place where people are encouraged to explore, experiment and do things a little differently. We believe the way people enjoy wine should have that same sense of possibility.”
That sense of possibility will come to life throughout September, both in wine country and across social media, as wineries and wine regions throughout California share their own ways to “Pour Outside the Lines.” Across the state, wineries and wine regions are inviting people to experience California wine differently — through unexpected pairings, only-in-September events and new ways to explore wine country. And the invitation to pour outside the lines doesn’t end when September does.
PAIRING PLOT TWIST
California wine adds more flavor and possibility to the foods you already love. There’s no single perfect match, so mix it up and taste what happens. Think wine with brunch, empanadas, pizza or cookies — and pairings don’t have to stop at food. Your favorite combination might be the one you haven’t tried yet.
Wine with Empanadas
Keller Estate in Petaluma leans into the founding family’s Mexican heritage with empanada pairings. Savory hand pies are part of the winery’s Terroir Experience, which includes a tour of the winery, cave and scenic grounds. Guests can also add empanadas to any tasting.
Wine with Dim Sum
The Prisoner Wine Company in St. Helena takes wine pairing after hours with a tasting of five small-lot wines alongside dim sum. Offered on select Friday evenings in September, the experience turns a traditional tasting into more of a night out and offers a playful look at how unexpected flavors can bring out new sides of a wine.
Wine with Cookies
The Cookie Pairing at Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg matches five different sweet treats with the winery’s Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and more.
Wine with Popcorn
At J Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg, the seasonal Spritz on the Terrace pairs a Cuvée 20 spritz and two additional wines with warm, house-made popcorn. Proof that a great wine pairing can be buttery, salty and served by the handful.
Wine with Paella
At Six Sigma Ranch & Winery in Lower Lake, Paella Night brings wine, food and community together for a casual evening on the ranch. Held the first Wednesday of each month, the dinner features paella from rotating local chefs, with Six Sigma wines available by the glass or bottle.
POUR OUTSIDE THE LINES THIS SEPTEMBER
September is one of the most exciting times to visit California wine country. Harvest is in full swing, and wineries and wine regions across the state are opening their doors for special events and hands-on experiences that bring visitors closer to the people, places and creativity behind California wine. From crush-pad access and vineyard adventures to unexpected ways to taste and explore, there are plenty of reasons to experience wine country a little differently this month.
R&B Through the Decades at Darcie Kent
Darcie Kent Estate Winery in Livermore turns back the clock on Sept. 12 with an R&B Vinyl Night spanning the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. Guests can dress for their favorite decade, bring records to spin and settle in with wine, music and casual bites from a local food truck. The free-to-attend evening is designed as much for swapping stories and meeting people as it is for sipping wine.
Harvest Live! at St. Supéry
Daily throughout September, visitors to the Napa Valley winery can get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the excitement of harvest and the art of winemaking. The immersive tour includes a visit to the crush pad to see the winemaking process in action and a chance to taste wines from the new vintage directly from the tank and barrel.
Harvest in Action: Twilight Tasting at Hope Family Wines
On Sept. 17, at Hope Family Wines in Paso Robles, guests can step into the role of enologist during a hands-on Twilight Tasting as harvest unfolds around them. The experience includes berry sampling and Brix testing, offering a rare chance to get closer to the science, energy and excitement behind the vintage while the vineyard is in full harvest mode.
Wine Cocktail Class at Rodney Strong Vineyards
On Sept. 18, at Rodney Strong Vineyards in Healdsburg, guests can shake things up with a hands-on wine cocktail class led by a mixologist. The experience includes crafting two signature low-alcohol cocktails made with Rodney Strong wines, along with cheese and charcuterie bites, all set against views of the winery’s Event Green.
E-Bike Vineyard Tour at Concannon Vineyard
On Sept. 20, join winemaker Brett Fikse for the Estate Blocks E-Bike Tour, a guided pedal through the Livermore Valley winery’s estate vineyard blocks during the peak of harvest. The ride finishes with a curated tasting flight.
THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO WINE COUNTRY
Pouring outside the lines doesn’t end when September does. Across California, wineries are reimagining what a day in wine country can look like, bringing wine together with art, movement, food and the outdoors. A little less itinerary. A little more adventure.
“The best part of California wine country is that there are endless ways to experience it,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “Across the state, wine regions invite travelers to connect with California through incredible food, art, outdoor adventure, and, of course, wine. That variety is part of what makes a trip to California so memorable. Every visitor can make the experience their own.”
Ziplining at Santa Margarita Ranch
At Santa Margarita Ranch, the sprawling vineyard estate for Ancient Peaks Winery in Santa Margarita, you can “fly” over the vines on six different ziplines before heading to the tasting room for lunch and wine tasting. The ranch also offers wildlife and foraging tours.
Forest Bathing at Bartholomew Estate
Tag along with a certified nature therapy guide for a forest bathing session at Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma. The Japanese meditative practice opens all five senses to the land and vines, followed by a curated wine tasting.
Horseback Adventure at Presqu’ile
Saddle up for a horseback tour through the Santa Maria winery’s 400-acre estate, featuring gorgeous views of the surrounding vineyards and the San Rafael Mountains—plus a post-ride mezze and wine tasting.
Sculpture Walk at The Donum Estate
Explore 70 monumental sculptures created by world-famous artists on the winery’s 200-acre Carneros estate. Some tours conclude with a seated wine tasting paired with seasonal bites.
Off-Roading at Halter Ranch
Hop aboard the Paso Robles winery’s classic Land Rover Defender for a tour of rolling vineyards and the far reaches of Halter Ranch’s wild, 2,700-acre estate.
Winemaker for a Day
During the Wine Blending Lab at Bottaia Winery in Temecula, would-be winemakers mix barrel samples to craft the perfect blend. Each guest makes a custom label for their take-home creation.
For more information about winery events, activities and wine regions across California, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.
About Wine Institute
Established in 1934, Wine Institute represents nearly 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses and serves as a leading voice for California wine. Wine Institute works to strengthen and advance California’s wine sector by bringing together public policy advocacy, strategic communications, sustainability leadership and global marketing. As the only organization advocating for wine at the state, federal and international levels, it helps create an environment that supports the responsible production, marketing and enjoyment of wine. Wine Institute members account for more than 80% of the nation’s wine production and 95% of U.S. wine exports. Learn more at wineinstitute.org.