One of the joys of Wine Country is its autumn weather, where warm days fade to crisp nights. It’s the perfect time to gather up friends, families and sweaters, and enjoy an outdoor concert.
Groth Vineyards & Winery: Reserve Cabernet Release Day, Oakville (Oct. 4, 2014)
Join the party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for food, rousing music, and barrel tastings of the 2013 Reserve Cabernet. For a look at the source of the wine, vineyard tours will be offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets: $40.
750 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville, 707-944-0290, grothwines.com.
Cornerstone Cellars: Sunday Funday, Yountville (Sundays Oct. 5-26, 2014)
The highlight is free concerts from Jeffrey Fetters (Oct. 4), Falcon Christopher (Oct. 12), David Ronconi (Oct. 19) and Laura Weinbach (Oct. 26). While the music play from 1 to 4 p.m., guests can also enjoy 2-for-1 tastings.
6505 Washington Street, Yountville, 707-945-0388, cornerstonecellars.com.
Ragtime Romp at Jack’s Place, Glen Ellen (Oct. 11, 2014)
The 5th annual Wine County Ragtime Festival sets up shop at Jack London State Historic Park, courtesy of Bay Area ragtime music aficionados Jim Smith and John Partridge. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the grounds pulse with a musical jam session party as families picnic, play games, participate in a period costume contest, and dance. Tickets: free with $10 parking fee.
2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-938-5216, jacklondonpark.com.
Beso Negro at B.R. Cohn Winery, Glen Ellen (Oct. 18, 2014)
The winery’s olive grove is transformed into a mini rock amphitheater, with this tribute from international musicians performing Gypsy Jazz with dark, fast, danceable bluesy sounds. Ticket includes a pre-concert pig roast from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and additional food and wine is available for purchase from the Gourmet shop. Tickets: $40.
15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com.
Silverado Vineyards: Harvest Party, Napa (Oct. 18, 2014)
The winemakers themselves will taste you through barrel samples and current release wines, to be savored alongside Mexican fare from local favorite Villa Corona and live music from 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets: $75.
6121 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707-592-6223, silveradovineyards.com.
Holman Cellars: BBQ & Blues Harvest Celebration, Napa (Oct. 18, 2014)
This intimate party is limited to 100 guests, coming together from 3 to 6 p.m. for live blues music, lawn games, ceremonial grape stomp, library and currently released wines (and maybe even a sneak peak at new releases), plus tastings from neighboring Bourassa Vineyards. Tickets: $80.
190 Camino Oruga, Napa, 707-287-7545, napavintners.com.
Tip: Sip wine and sing along with no worries, by leaving the driving to Pure Luxury Transportation.
