You don’t have to fly to France or Italy to experience the magic of wine harvest. Right here at home, harvest season in the U.S. is one of the best times to visit wine country: the air smells like crushed grapes, vines are turning golden, and there’s an energy in the vineyards you just don’t feel any other time of year.
From California’s Napa and Sonoma to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Washington State, New York’s Finger Lakes, Virginia and Texas Hill Country, most regions see harvest roughly from late August through October (with some variation by grape and climate). That means plenty of opportunities to plan a long weekend or a full-on road trip built around tastings, vineyard tours, fall colors and great food. Many wineries host special harvest dinners, crush parties and behind-the-scenes experiences where you can see (and sometimes even help with) the winemaking process.
If you love the idea of:
- Crisp fall days among the vines
- Cozy tasting rooms and scenic patios
- Pairing local wines with farm-to-table meals
- Staying in charming inns, boutique hotels or vineyard guesthouses
…then a harvest-season getaway in U.S. wine country might be your perfect “feel-far, stay-close-to-home” trip.
I’ve put together an Insider’s Guide to Harvest Season for Wine Destinations that highlights when to go, where to look, and how to choose the right region and style of trip for you—without ever opening a passport.
👉 Read the full guide and start planning here:
Insider’s Guide to Harvest Season for Wine Destinations – with Heidi Dent
When you’re ready, I can help you pick the right region, book stays and tastings, and build an itinerary that flows as smoothly as your favorite pinot or cabernet.