For winemakers, the harvest season represents a time of celebration as the bulk of vineyard grapes are plucked from the vine and brought indoors to be pressed, fermented, and bottled. From coast to coast, you can find incredible harvest events this October. Take advantage of the cool and crisp weather and some of the most delicious flavors of the year by traveling to these harvest season wine country events.

All October

Texas Wine Month Trail at Texas Hill Country Wineries – TX Times vary by vineyard; $35 single passports, $60 couple passports Everything is bigger in Texas. Especially the wine tasting events that are happening in October. With 46 wineries participating in the Texas wine trail, you can pop into one or two at $9 per tasting or buy a passport and experience up to four wine tastings at different vineyards every day including Becker Vineyards, Fall Creek Vineyards, Compass Rose Cellars, and many more. The Wine Tasting Passport will be a happy reminder of the great days you spent tasting wine in Texas wine country. Plus, it will provide you with discounts on wine purchased at the vineyards.

October 3, 2015

Rock the Grapes Festival at Veramar Vineyard – Shenandoah Valley, VA 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. EST; Free You’ll be in Shenandoah Valley at one of the most spectacular times of year. Not only will the leaves be turning vibrant shades of golden yellow, red, and orange, but the wine will be flowing as well. At The Rock the Grapes Festival, taste award-winning wines, get dirty and participate in traditional grape stomping, listen to live music, and shop local food, crafts, artwork, and more. It’s a great way to spend the day in a gorgeous region of the U.S.

October 3 – 4, 2015

Fall Harvest Festival at Cobbler Mountain Cellars – Delaplane, VA 11:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST; Free While you’re in Virginia, make sure to stop by Cobbler Mountain Cellars. They’re gearing up to release a special pumpkin spice hard cider this season and celebrate with additional ciders, specialty wines, live music, and craft vendors. Set aside some time to wander the property while you’re there to check out the gorgeous views and changing leaves.

October 9 – 11, 2015

Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival at Port Angeles Waterfront – Port Angeles, WA Friday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST; Free entry If you are a seafood lover in the Pacific Northwest don’t miss the annual Seafood Fest. With a lineup of 14 restaurants including Port Angeles Crab House and Taylor Shellfish Farms, plus cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs like John Moeller, a chowder cook-off, the Grab-A-Crab Derby, local wine tasting, crafts, music, and more, there is a lot to taste and do. Plus, on this beautiful waterfront, you’re only a 90-minute ferry ride from Victoria, British Columbia, so you can plan on sightseeing even more while you’re there.

October 9 – 12, 2015

Celebration of Harvest Weekend – Santa Barbara County, CA Times vary by event; Prices vary per event From wine education, to eating and drinking, this weekend is packed with harvest season excellence. The fun will commence with a winemaker’s Harvest Dinner at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos. You can choose to attend that or explore downtown Santa Barbara with a walking wine and food tasting tour. Then, on Saturday choose between attending the Santa Barbara Wine Seminar where you’ll hear personal stories from winemakers as they’re asked questions by revered food and wine writer, Elaine Chukan Brown. Or, buy a wine tasting pass and visit up to 12 vineyards in the region.

October 10, 2015

Wine and Roses Bike Ride at Templeton Community Park – Templeton, CA 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. PST; $70 Bring your bikes and appetite for a ride and feast. Riders can choose between a 100-mile century ride, 62-mile metric century, and a 30-mile ride through incredible countryside. Whether you go for the long ride or just a quick cycle, every racer will rendezvous at the end of their race and enjoy BBQ and wines from Wild Horse Winery. Even if you’re not in the mood to ride, you can come out and explore the downtown food, shopping, and wine as well as local wineries across the region.

October 10, 2015

9th Annual 5K Vineyard Run at Airfield Estates Vineyard – Sunnyside, WA 10 a.m. PST; $25 adults, free for children 12 and under Bring yourself, kids, and even dogs to the 9th annual 5K Vineyard Run for a beautiful walk or run through Airfield Estates. With pit stops for grape tasting and beautiful views, you can get out and stretch your legs while enjoying all the vineyard has to offer. If you’re not a serious runner, don’t worry. There’s a costume and dog division so you can enjoy a more relaxed and entertaining race day.

October 16, 2015

Wine Harvest Dinner at Sesnon House at Cabrillo College – Santa Cruz, CA 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. PST; $95 per person, $900 table of ten Come out for an evening of sensational local wine and the company of distinguished wine professionals at the Sesnon House at Cabrillo College. With an invite list of wine writers, Master Sommeliers, and celebrity chefs, you’ll be able to discuss the intricacies of the award winning wines being served and learn even more about the industry. Attendees will also be able to enjoy a three-course meal prepared by the students of the Culinary Arts Department of Cabrillo College.

October 16-18, 2015

Hood River Valley Harvest Fest at Hood River Event Site – Hood River, OR Friday 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST; adults $6, kids under 12 are free, seniors and active military pay $3 on Friday and $5 Sat & Sun Located on the Hood River waterfront, this huge and scenic festival won’t render your taste buds bored. Featuring 125 vendors, you can shop from a bounty of pears, pumpkins, flowers, pies, jams, and so much more. You can also quench your thirst with wine, cider, and beer tastings or take a rest by the shore and watch kiteboarders and windsurfers on the water. It’s a great event that’s perfect for friends and family since there will be live music, a craft show, and family friendly activities happening all weekend. Just make sure to bring your appetite and some bags to bring home all of your goodies.

October 17, 2015

Harvest Winemaker Dinner at Youngberg Hill – McMinnville, OR 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. PST; $80 per person Executive Chef of Cedarbrook Lodge, Mark Bodinet, will be wowing guests with a four course menu paired with the new and classic wines from Youngberg Hill. Enjoy the view of the darkened vineyards and starry night sky when you attend this outdoor gourmet dinner for true food and wine lovers. An inn as well as a vineyard, you can even plan to stay the weekend on this gorgeous estate.

October 30-31, 2015

Stranded at Morro Bay at Morro Strand State Beach – Morro Bay, CA Dry camping $150, Hook-ups $180 If you’re adventurous and outdoorsy, you won’t want to miss this food and wine themed camping event. Not only will you be by the ocean, but you’ll be able to bring your RV or camping gear and park yourselves for a weekend of food, wine, music, and BBQ. Starting with a welcome happy hour Friday evening, your tickets will include breakfast each morning and two breakfasts and drinks for your friendly potluck dinner with campmates. It’s a great way to meet new friends and spend some time by the gorgeous California coast. If you’re looking for even more wine country events this fall, don’t forget to read about the events happening in Napa Valley and Sonoma County this October.

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WineCountry Collective

WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.