It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we aren’t talking about Christmas yet! In Napa Valley, we’re talking about harvest – and it is officially underway. As a matter of fact, the first grapes were picked on August 2nd making this harvest season one of the earliest on record. For winemakers and wine connoisseurs alike, this translates to both a labor of love and a love for the resulting wine.
Want to know more about harvest? Check out our full list of harvest events and information.
Whether you have had firsthand experience with the inner workings at any of the more than 400 wineries open to the public in Napa Valley or you have had mere glimpses of the process, you know that the anticipation surrounding a new vintage is always an experience to celebrate! Perhaps you prefer to taste, dine, and mingle during harvest or maybe you prefer to roll-up your sleeves and actually get involved with harvest – there is no shortage of ways to enjoy in Napa Valley.
Here's a small collection of the many events around the valley marking the 2022 harvest. Be sure to reserve tickets to your favorite event – they always go fast because the joy about harvest is effervescent and flowing, and so is the wine. Cheers!
A Harvest Celebration of Food & Wine
Location: Chandon
Date: Sunday, September 4, 2022
Time: 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Price: $225 per person
During one of the most exciting times to be in Napa, Harvest Season, Chandon will recognize the efforts of the all-women winemaking team with an exciting new release – Rising Star. This blend is a celebration of rising winemakers as well as the young vines that marked a first yield of Chardonnay grapes. There is much to be celebrated at Chandon, whether that’s new releases or any of the twenty-five sparkling and still wines in the portfolio, so raise a glass and toast the 2022 Harvest.
Carnivus Maximus MMXXII
Location: Crocker & Starr Winery
Date: Sunday, September 4, 2022
Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Price: $250 per person
Taking place the Sunday before Labor Day, this outrageously fun event features games; an amazing bounty of food; and of course wine, including new releases and favorites from the cellar!
Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration
Location: HALL Wines
Date: Saturday, September 10, 2022
Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Price: $150 per person
This year's theme for the annual Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration is California Dreamin' to commemorate Hall’s Golden State heritage and will feature the 2019 vintage of the flagship wine. Join the festivities at Hall as the team rolls out this extraordinary wine in true West Coast style.
Boots & Barrels
Location: Pope Valley Winery
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Price: $150 per person | $125 wine club members
Pope Valley Winery is hosting a prime rib wine dinner under the stars featuring a musical performance by Mark Powell, a singer-songwriter who brings his own spice and style to traditional country music. Sip on Pope Valley Winery’s boutique wines; enjoy handcrafted beers; savor a slow-roasted western BBQ prime rib dinner; and dance the night away. This will surely be an unforgettable evening. Tickets include dinner and concert; wine purchases are separate.
Harvest Ball
Location: V. Sattui Winery
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022
Time: 5:30pm – 11:00pm
Price: $295 per person | $270 wine club members
Dress to the nines in finest black-tie attire and sip sparkling wine while strolling the Tuscan-inspired, beautifully manicured winery grounds. With the magical twilight over the vineyards, settle in under the big-top for a multi-course, Italian-inspired gourmet meal expertly prepared by Sattui’s own Michelin Star Chef, Stefano Masanti. The meal will, of course, be meticulously paired with top tier wines. After this indulgent dinner, boogie the night away with a live musical performance. Celebrating 36 years, this spectacular soirée promises to be an unforgettable affair. With world-class entertainment; culinary delights; and a selection of highly-acclaimed wines, revel in the sights, sounds, and flavors during one of Napa Valley’s biggest parties of the year! Insider’s tip… Ssshhh…there may even be an after party at this event.
Fall Equinox Celebration
Location: John Anthony Vineyards
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Price: $150 per person
Lounge and mingle at this historic venue and be among the first to experience the John Anthony Fall release wines expertly paired with indulgent small bites of caviar and foie gras mousse. This party will feature vineyard-designate, reserve, and small lot vintages, many of which are typically only available to club members. Tickets are limited to the first 100 guests only so reserve a spot soon!
Hands On Harvest
Location: Trefethen Family Vineyards
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Price: $250 per person | $225 wine club members
Get directly involved in harvest at Trefethen. The day begins with an in-depth vineyard tour and the opportunity to get “hands on” picking grapes. After harvest, guests will enjoy an incredible al fresco lunch paired with Trefethen wines sipped beneath the canopy of the estate’s ancient walnut tree located in Katie’s Acre. After lunch, follow the freshly harvested crop to the winery to learn about winemaking practices and the journey from grape to wine. Round out the day with a tasting of current release wines. This immersive experience sells out each year, and space is limited. Reserve a spot on the harvest team, and enjoy an incredible day at Trefethen!
Merryvale and Starmont Harvest Party
Location: Merryvale Vineyards
Date: Sunday, September 25, 2022
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Price: $85 per person | $55 wine club members
Mingle on the terrace with winemakers, Andrew Wright and Jeff Crawford, while tasting exclusive barrel samples. Enjoy the sounds of live music by the amazing Carlos Herrera Band and be among the first to enjoy new Fall releases of Merryvale and Starmont wines paired with a delicious Paella.
Harvest Dinner
Location: Frank Family Vineyards
Date: Saturday, October 1, 2022
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Price: $325 per person | $300 wine club members
Join winemaker Todd Graff for his 20th harvest at Frank Family Vineyards. The evening will feature a reception of sparkling wines and passed canapés followed by a four-course dinner in the courtyard. The meal will feature seasonal ingredients elegantly prepared by Chef Christina Machamer and thoughtfully paired with a remarkable collection of Frank Family estate wines. Plus, Todd will share some of his favorite vintages through the years!
Harvest Celebration
Location: Mark Herold Wines – Bennett Vineyard
Date: Saturday, October 8, 2022
Time: 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Price: $150 per person | $125 wine club members
Guests will be shuttled to Bennett Vineyard, the location where the Herold story began almost 20 years ago. Join Mark and his team for an intimate evening among the vines to toast the 2022 harvest. Enjoy the cult favorite Herold wines paired with small bites and experience the breadth of the portfolio including current releases, library wines, and even a special “sneak peak” on a yet-to-be-released blend!
