Uncork the Unexpected: Seven California Wine Month Experiences Worth Exploring

September is California Wine Month—a time to raise a glass to the Golden State’s world-class vineyards, passionate winemakers, and unforgettable tasting experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about wine, these seven standout events offer something for every palate. From intimate tastings in Napa Valley to grape-stomping in Temecula, here’s your guide to celebrating California’s wine culture in style.

Corison Library Tour & Tasting – St. Helena, Napa Valley

Step into the heart of Napa Valley’s winemaking legacy with an intimate tasting at Corison Winery. Discover rare vintages and the story behind Cathy Corison, one of Napa’s most respected female winemakers.

Guests enjoy a guided walk through the Kronos Vineyard and a deep dive into the artistry behind Corison’s acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignons—all while learning about sustainable winemaking techniques.

Location: Corison Winery, 987 St. Helena Highway South, St. Helena, CA.
Dates & Times: September 1–30, 2025. Daily appointments at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Cost: $125 per guest (waived with a qualifying wine purchase or club enrollment).
Reservations: Required via Corison’s website.

Member for a Day – St. Supéry Estate, Rutherford

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a wine club insider? St. Supéry Estate invites non-members to enjoy VIP treatment throughout September. Indulge in complimentary tastings, elevated experiences, and 20% off wine purchases—all while exploring the estate’s Napa green-certified vineyards and demonstration gardens.

Location: St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, 8440 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA.
Dates & Times: September 1–30, 2025, daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Cost: Varies by experience; complimentary tastings available.
Reservations: Book via TOCK using code CELEBRATECA.

People harvesting grapes and placing them into barrels during a vineyard festival.
Community, tradition, and the joy of the harvest – California’s wine culture at its finest

Lodi Grape Festival – Lodi, California

Celebrate the grape harvest in the “Winegrape Capital of the World,” where Lodi’s 85+ wineries and agricultural heritage take center stage. This four-day festival blends wine tastings, carnival rides, grape murals, live music, and family-friendly fun. Lodi produces nearly 20% of California’s winegrapes—more than Napa and Sonoma combined.

Location: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E Lockeford Street, Lodi, CA.

Dates & Times:

  • Thursday, Sept 11: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday, Sept 12: 12:00 PM – Midnight
  • Saturday, Sept 13: 12:00 PM – Midnight
  • Sunday, Sept 14: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Cost:

  • General Admission: $9.50 (advance), $12 at gate
  • Carnival Wristbands: $30 advance, $38 on-site
  • Wine Tasting: 10 tastes for $15

Info: Explore the full schedule and ticket details

CRUSH 2025 – A Wine & Culinary Showcase, Temecula Valley

Sip, savor, and celebrate at CRUSH 2025, Temecula’s signature California Wine Month event hosted by the Temecula Winegrowers Association. More than 30 local wineries and top chefs gather at Monte De Oro Winery for an elegant evening of tastings, live music, and mingling with legendary winemakers.

Location: Monte De Oro Winery, 35820 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA.
Date & Time: September 27, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
Cost: General Admission: $135; Early Access Admission: $145.

Outdoor wine tasting event at sunset with multiple wine bottles and guests under sting of lights.
Golden hour, good company, and a table full of California’s exquisite wines

Great Taste of Europa Wine & Food Festival – Temecula Valley

Indulge in a European wine and culinary adventure—no passport required. The Great Taste of Europa is California’s largest European food festival, featuring 50+ exceptional wines and gourmet dishes inspired by Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal. Prefer hops to grapes? Craft beer and spirits are also available in the garden. Live music and dancing round out this unforgettable feast for the senses.

A portion of the proceeds benefits Mission Hope, a nonprofit organization that helps those facing food and housing insecurity.

Location: Europa Village Wineries & Resort, 41150 Via Europa, Temecula, CA.
Date & Time: September 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Cost:

  • General Admission: $199
  • VIP Admission: $299
  • Designated Driver: $89

Grape Stomping & Wine Blending Workshops – Temecula Valley

Roll up your pant legs and dive into harvest season with hands-on experiences across Temecula Valley. Wineries, including Bella Vista, Callaway, Ponte, South Coast, and Maurice Car’rie, offer immersive workshops for grape stomping, wine blending, and winemaking techniques throughout September.

Location: Various wineries across Temecula Valley.
Dates & Times: Vary by vineyard.
Cost: Varies by activity.
Info: Visit individual winery websites for details and reservations.

People relaxing in a vineyard at sunset watching musicians perform on stage at sunset.
Soaking up the magic and the live music at an outdoor concert in Wine Country

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival – Del Mar & San Diego

Celebrate California Wine Month with ocean views, world-class wines, and culinary creativity at the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival. This five-day celebration features wine and food tastings, live music, celebrity chefs, and off-site events across San Diego. Held at Surf Sports Park, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is a coastal celebration of food, wine, and community.

Proceeds benefit Feeding San Diego, a leading hunger-relief and food rescue organization serving children, families, seniors, military members, and veterans.

Location:

  • Main events at Surf Sports Park (formerly Del Mar Polo Fields), 14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA.
  • Off-site dinners and events are held at various San Diego venues.

Dates: September 10–14, 2025

Cost:

  • Grand Tasting (Sept 13 & 14):
    • General Admission: $205 (1-day), $305 (2-day)
    • Early Entry: $265 (1-day), $415 (2-day)
    • VIP Admission: $465 (1-day), $815 (2-day)
  • Off-site events are priced individually

Info: Check out the full schedule here.

To learn more about California wines, check out these additional resources:

Discover California Wines

Discover California Wines handles the marketing activities for the Wine Institute, a trade association that promotes awareness and appreciation for California wines globally.

This organization offers in-depth information on California wines through blogs, videos, classes, and recipes. You can also find an event calendar and winery locator here.

Visit California

Visit California is the official travel and tourism promotion agency for the State of California. This non-profit organization partners with the state’s travel industry leaders to position California as a top tourist destination and encourages people to visit the Golden State.

For travel inspiration, advice, guides, videos, and other resources on California, click here.

California Wine Month is more than a celebration—it’s a sensory journey through the state’s diverse winemaking regions. Whether you’re sipping Cabernet in Napa, stomping grapes in Temecula, or dancing under the stars in Del Mar, these events will connect you with the land, the people, and the stories behind every bottle in the Golden State.

Cheers to discovery, connection, and epic journeys in California’s wine country.

 

Select visuals in this post are sourced via Freepik Pro and are used under license.