Celebrate fall in wine country with color walks, special fall events, and more!
Fall Hikes and Walks
Vineyard Color
To experience the fall colors of the vineyards – vistas glowing in yellow-gold, crimson, and deep burgundy – take part in The ‘Sonoma County Vineyard Adventures’ program, operated by the Sonoma County Winegrowers. You can enjoy free, no-appointment needed, self-guided vineyard tours. Walk among the vine rows and discover each winery’s unique story. You will learn about the history of the region, the influence of soil types and microclimates, various viticulture techniques, and sustainable farming practices such as the use of wind technology and water conservation.
Regional Parks for fall hiking
Have you visited all of Sonoma County’s Regional Parks? Meda Freeman, Communications Manager for Sonoma County Regional Parks, shares some of her favorites for fall:
North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve, Santa Rosa
A section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail in the park begins in the ferns and redwoods on the south fork of Matanzas Creek, then climbs to nearly 2,000 feet through forests of colorful oaks and bay laurels, treating hikers to stunning views of autumn-hued vineyards and peaks surrounding Santa Rosa and Sonoma Valley.
Shiloh Ranch Regional Park, Windsor
In late fall, big leaf maple and oaks display vibrant fall colors against the evergreens in this mixed forest, and the bark of the madrones shows subtle shades of green, orange, and red.
Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Glen Ellen
Surrounded by the brilliantly colored vineyards of the Valley of the Moon, you can hear acorns drop as you walk the oak-lined trail.
Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
You’ll see a surprisingly ample display of fall colors on the easy, paved path around the lake and crossing the dams.
The Sonoma Coast
Autumn on the coast brings spectacular weather, with clear skies and an average high temperature of 77 degrees in October. All of Regional Parks’ coastal beaches and trails are dog-friendly. Meda suggests Gualala Point and Doran Regional Park.
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Trione-Annadel State Park, Santa Rosa
Native oaks and maples display fall color alongside golden grasses and evergreen foliage, California Bay Laurel and cattails. Hike around Lake Ilsanjo and along the creeks. Note: Dogs are not allowed on trails, only on paved Channel Drive.
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Sonoma Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen
Be inspired and refreshed by the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Enjoy a self-guided leisurely walk, hike to see expansive views of the valley, or find the perfect wine country picnic spot.
Fall on the Farm
Visit your local farmers market to find figs, persimmons, pomegranates, and apples; artichokes, broccoli, bok choy and brussels sprouts; heirloom tomatoes; winter squash and pumpkins; and greens of all kinds!
Sonoma County Farm Trails Apple Trail
Nothing says fall like crisp, juicy apples! Farm Trails can show you where to find everything apple from local farmers and makers!
- Apples by the bag or box at farm stands & farmers’ markets.
- Local cidermakers and fresh-pressed local apple juice!
- Fresh-baked apple pies and baked goods
- Local U–pick apple orchards.
- Fresh-made apple sauce, apple butter, apple vinegar, apple shrubs, dried apples, soap & skincare, and more apple products.
Fall festivals and harvest-time events in Sonoma County
From wine to pumpkins, find fall fun for all ages! Don’t miss these events!
Thu-Sat, Sept 26-28, 2024
Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival
Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Sonoma Valley Wine, the year of the Farmer. Two centuries ago, grapevines were planted in in Sonoma. We look forward to celebrating that milestone together!
Sonoma Plaza, 453 1st St E, Sonoma.
Sat, Sept 28, 2024, 10am–2pm
Harvest Festival at Bayer Farm
LandPaths celebrates the 14th annual free and family friendly festival at Bayer Farm with include local bands, a tortilla making workshop, grape stomp for the kids, dance performances, garden tours and workshops, art and storytelling for the kids, the famous salsa competition (the kind you eat!), and more!
1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa.
Sat, Oct 12, 2024, 10am-3pm
SRJC Shone Farm Fall Festival
SRJC Shone Farm welcomes the community to experience an outdoor learning laboratory and campus during harvest season. Includes animal meet and greet, u-pick pumpkins and more, farm stand, hay rides, tractor show, wine tasting, food court, and more!
7450 Steve Olson Ln, Forestville.
Sat & Sun, Oct. 12 & 13. 2013
Weekend Along the Farm Trails
Local farmers and producers open their gates and barn doors to offer a taste of life on the farm! Enjoy tours, tastings, and educational activities. Pick pumpkins, veggies, and flowers; and see farm animals.
Multiple locations.
Sat, Oct 12, 2024, 6-9pm
Sonoma County Harvest Fair
A chance to try more than 700 award-winning Sonoma County wines, paired with award-winning foods. Join us for a memorable evening and be the first to learn which wineries will be Sweepstakes Winners! Patrons can also venture outside the tasting pavilion to enter or watch the World Champion Grape Stomps held in conjunction with the Grand Tasting.
1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa.
Sun, Oct 13, 2024, 12-4pm
Healdsburg Crush
Join us and taste limited production Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wines from over 60 of California’s top wine producers, all while enjoying the beautiful Healdsburg Plaza.
Healdsburg Ave & Matheson St, Healdsburg.
Sat, October 19, 2024, 9am – 4pm
Pumpkin Day at Oak Hill Farm
Pumpkin launching; farm-grown pumpkins, gourds, flowers; and live music!
Glen Ellen.
Sat, Oct 19, 2024, 11am-3pm
Fort Ross Harvest Festival
Bring your friends and family for apple and pear picking in our historic orchard and enjoy activities in the Visitor Center and Fort! Bring a picnic and enjoy autumn’s fresh air. There will be pumpkin carving for kids, apple pressing, and tours about the cultural and natural history of Fort Ross State Historic Park.
19005 Coast Hwy, Jenner.
Sat, Oct. 19, 2024, 11am-2pm
Press Fest celebration at Luther Burbank Experiment Farm
Free family event with apple tasting, apple pressing, music, plant sales, and a talk on Autumn tree care.
Sebastopol
Sat, Oct 26, 2024, 8:30am–12pm
Healdsburg Farmers’ Market Pumpkin Festival and Costume Competition
The Pumpkin Festival incorporates 3 competitions, with each contest divided by age groups. Pumpkin decorating with wheels, pumpkin carving, pumpkin car races, and costume competition! Prizes are donated by local businesses, plus we give out Market Bucks, good for any vendor at the market!
North & Vine Streets, Healdsburg.
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Pumpkin Patches in Sonoma County
Check out our special feature on local pumpkin patches to fnd out where to pick out pumpkins, get lost in a corn maze, take a hay ride, and more!
