The high point of the year for most people in Sonoma County happens to be Harvest Season. After the initial pruning in January, followed eventually by bud break, careful canopy management, monitoring, and continuous oversight, vineyard managers and crews are beginning the arduous task of harvesting the grapes. Timing is essential since wineries are looking for the highest quality grapes that have reached their peak perfection to convert to world-class wine varietals and blends.
The harvest throughout the Sonoma wine region usually begins in July and may last well into late October and early November before the cold weather returns. Not all grapes are ready simultaneously since the full-bodied red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon take several weeks longer to ripen than the delicate white varieties.
Participating in a Sonoma Ballooning adventure has long been one of the most fun things to do while visiting Sonoma County during the harvest season. A great way to kick off a weekend is with a safe, exciting morning hot air balloon ride above the vineyards and communities of beautiful Sonoma Valley. From this unique and breathtaking vantage point, passengers can witness the various stages of harvest along the valley floor and up into the surrounding mountainside.
Witness a panorama you’ve likely never seen and enjoy the sights and sensations of floating freely above the incomparable landscape guided by your Sonoma Ballooning knowledgeable, certified pilot.
A Time To Celebrate
As you float quietly above, you can also witness various harvest celebrations being prepared by some of the wineries and communities.
Besides your Sonoma Ballooning adventures, one of the most fun things to do in Sonoma during the harvest season is to participate in the Sonoma Harvest Music Festival presented on October 8 and 9, 2022, at the B.R. Cohn Winery.
This event will sell only a limited number of tickets and forwards the proceeds to benefit the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation.
Event Schedule: Sonoma Harvest Music Festival, October 8 And 9 From 12 Noon To 6:15 P.m.
The lineup features popular regional and nationally recognized musical talent presenting their unique musical style during the two-day event.
Here is a lineup of scheduled performers:
Saturday: October 8
- Gary Clary Jr
- Thievery Corporation
- Anderson East
- Magic Giant
- Lily Meola
Saturday: October 9
- The Man
- Phantogram
- lovelytheband
- The Wrecks
- Yoke Lore
Food And Drink At The Music Festival
Guests at the Music festival will have an opportunity to taste some of B.R. Cohn Winery’s delightfully handcrafted wines and a choice of Northern California craft brews.
Some of the area’s renowned chefs and restauranteurs will present a variety of delicious small bites. Cocktails will also be available.
Make Your Harvest Weekend Visit Complete With Glorious Sonoma Ballooning Adventure
One of the most exciting, memorable, and fun things to do in Sonoma is a hot air balloon ride with Sonoma Ballooning. Greet your first morning and get the “lay of the land” as you float gently across the sky above the harvest activity below.
A safe and thrilling hot air balloon ride with Sonoma Ballooning is a never to be forgotten adventure. Visit the Sonoma Ballooning website to learn more and make your reservations for yourself and your partner or group.