This year marks the 20th anniversary of California Wine Month, a celebration of the state’s 250-year winemaking history and a recognition of the importance of wine and viticulture to the nation’s economy. Throughout September — officially designated by the California State Legislature as California Wine Month — wineries across the state will host a broad range of events highlighting the innovative spirit of California’s wine community during the height of the annual harvest season.
California, which produces more than 80% of U.S. wines, will celebrate harvest this year with activities including wine and food festivals, special wine tastings, grape stomps, behind-the-scenes tours and more at locations ranging from Santa Barbara to Mendocino, and from the Santa Cruz Mountains on the coast to the Sierra Foothills in the east.
“The dedication of California’s wine community has created one of the most sustainable and valuable agricultural products in the country, contributing to over 1.1 million U.S. jobs and fostering $170 billion in annual economic activity,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “The economic benefits are tremendous and just as important, the simple connections made over a shared bottle of California wine are timeless. We encourage friends and family to gather and enjoy some wine together.”
California’s Wine Institute created a calendar of wine events and activities across the state in September, one of the most popular times to visit California wine country. “More than 25 million guests visit our wineries and tasting rooms across the state each year, and we’re happy to provide each of them with a taste of California,” said Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food & Agriculture. “Whether you are visiting us here or pouring a glass at home, we hope you’ll join us in a toast to California’s wine industry.”
Winery events and activities highlight the diversity, versatility and abundance of sustainable wines across the state, most of which are crafted in certified sustainable wineries. California’s nearly 6,000 winegrape growers produce more than 100 varieties throughout the state.
These annual festivities showcase the wines and people behind the state’s thriving wine industry, which generates $73 billion in annual economic activity in California alone. They also highlight the diverse regions which inspire visitors to connect, savor the moment and unwind.
“Wine tastings and pairings offer travelers a distinctive way to connect with friends and create unforgettable memories,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “California’s wine country invites visitors from around the world to explore its awe-inspiring landscapes, where every sip tells a story and every vineyard can become a new and shared adventure.”
Visit Discover California Wines to see the full calendar of California Wine Month events and activities, including onsite tastings, virtual tastings, tours, festivals, farm-to-table harvest dinners, special offers and more. To kick off the festivities, here are six reasons to raise a glass of California wine this September.
1. Sharing Wine Creates Connection – Gathering around a table with friends to share a bottle of California wine cultivates a sense of togetherness and community. Need some great music to enhance the vibe? Check out California Grown’s “California Wine Nights” playlist on Spotify.
2. It’s Sustainable – California is a world leader in sustainable farming practices. The vast majority of the state’s wine — 90% — is made by wineries certified under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance’s Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) program. Likewise, more than 65% of statewide winegrape acreage is certified under CCSW or to other California sustainability programs such as Fish Friendly Farming, LODI RULES, Napa Green and Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified.
3. It’s Fun to Buy at the Source – California hosts more than 6,200 wineries across the state, and with many tasting rooms open to the public, it’s easy to try before you buy. Bonus: Wineries often sell tasting-room-only wines that can’t be purchased anywhere else, and during California Wine Month, visitors can join in an array of fun, harvest-themed events and activities.
4. There’s a Wine for Everyone – Home to diverse soils, microclimates and topography, California grows more than 100 different grape varieties. That means there’s a California wine for every palate, whether you lean toward crisp and refreshing styles or prefer rich and robust wines.
5. It’s Made for Food – Just as California leads the nation in wine production, it is also the source of much of the county’s fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, California wines pair with everything from Sonoma Coast oysters to Santa Maria tri-tip. For recipes, grab a free copy of the “Iconic California Dishes to Celebrate California Wine Month” e-book. Sign up for Visit California’s weekly travel inspiration e-newsletter to get your copy.
6. It Supports Local Farmers – Most of the wine produced in the United States comes from California, which is home to more than 610,000 acres of vineyards. When you choose California wine, your purchase supports thousands of farmers across the state. More than three-quarters of California’s wineries are small and family owned, making less than 5,000 cases annually.
To find events, activities and experiences at California wineries throughout September, visit the Discover California Wines Website.
Article courtesy of wineinstitute.org