Most harvest parties in Napa have come to an end, but Sonoma is just kicking into high gear. It’s the liveliest time of year in Wine Country and these down to earth celebrations are a perfect excuse to take a break from the city and check out the fall colors and new winery releases.

Russian River Vineyards celebrates Harvest with their 1st Annual “Swine and Wine” party on Saturday, October 22nd from 1–4 pm.  Locally famous “Chef Todd” is saucing up a series of pork dishes made from one of their very own Berkshire-Hampshire pigs. Look forward to Tex-Mex and BBQ sliders, each paired with SB (Sauvignon Blanc), Pinot, Zin or Chardonnay. Dance off all that food to live music while you stare out at the view.  Reserve ahead: $59

Trione Vineyards and Winery hosts a spooky Haunted Winery Halloween Party and Benefit on October 28 from 7–11 pm. Two live bands, a costume contest and copious amounts of food, wine, beer and prizes will keep you entertained though the night. Make sure to bring your wallet, because admission comes with only one drink ticket–but you can feel good throwing down some dough because the proceeds benefit the Redwood Empire Food Bank and the Geyserville Unified School District. $20

Windsor Oaks Vineyards and Winery hosts a Hands on Harvest experience through November 15 from 10 am – 5 pm, where you can wander the vineyards, be a part of the grape-to-glass process and then taste the results. They are known for their artistic and seasonal labels and have a program where you can design your own label (a hit when you’re hosting parties and much easier than making your own wine). Reserve ahead for Hands on Harvest:  $50

Mauritson Wines offers Harvest Production Tours and Tastings every Saturday through November 26, starting at 10:30 am. You'll begin in the tasting room and, depending on the day, you may see fruit coming in right off the vines and being sorted. Watch the cellar crew as they do morning punch-downs and the rest of the grueling work that goes into making wine while you sip on new releases.  Reserve ahead: $25

For a more extensive list of Events in Sonoma click here and search by month.