From lavish winemaker dinners that pair succulent dishes with delectable wines to opulent food & wine festivals that encourage you to indulge in a taste of the season while having a jubilant time stomping grapes, here are 10 delightful October Food & Wine events happening throughout various destinations around the USA this weekend.
10 Delightful October Food & Wine Events
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing evening under the moonlight or you’re in the mood for a festive Fall-themed fête, these captivating food & wine events (ranging from Northern California wine country to Park City, The Willamette Valley, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and beyond) will surely put you in the mood to celebrate Autumn.
Park City Wine Festival – Park City, Utah
Hosted by the Canyons Village Management Association, the sumptuous Park City Wine Festival will be held October 3-5, 2024 in Park City, Utah. This beloved fall festival is an idyllic way to soak in this gorgeous destination’s golden autumnal hues. The weekend food & wine event will feature expertly-paired dinners and lunches from top local restaurants, wine tastings from more than 100 wineries (with vineyards spanning from the West Coast to France), live music, seminars hosted by prominent winemakers and sommeliers, activities (like wine hikes), and more.
Whiskey Barrel Weekend – Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
The anticipated Whiskey Barrel Weekend returns to The Coeur d’Alene Resort (pictured above) for its sixth year from October 4-5, 2024 in Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The event celebrates the craftsmanship of Maker’s Mark®, one of the world’s finest whiskey distilleries. You have the opportunity to try the unique custom whiskey blend that you can only find at this renowned luxury resort. Events include the first-ever Whiskey and Waves Cruise, the Makers Mark Open on the award-winning Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, a Whiskey Tasting Event featuring over 50 exquisite whiskeys and light bites followed by the ultimate Cigars and Guitars after party, and a limited-time Bourbon & Bliss Spa Package. If you’ve never visited this exquisite hotel, this is definitely a compelling reason to attend, as the spectacular lake and mountain resort views are truly unparalleled.
Crush It Harvest Festival – Yountville, California
Estate Yountville, an award-winning casual luxury resort located in the culinary heart of California’s famed Napa Valley wine country, is celebrating the fall harvest with its third annual Crush It Harvest Festival on October 5, 2024, in Yountville, California. By attending the event, you’ll enjoy a harvest-inspired menu and exquisite wines from award-winning and small-production wineries, and the best part is – you can even participate in the jovial tradition of grape stomping! Crust It will also feature live entertainment, local vendors and artisans, and numerous Insta-worthy moments. Admission to the event is free, however, wine-tasting and grape-stomping tickets are available for purchase.
Harvest Lunch at The Walls Vineyard – Walla Walla, Washington
To celebrate the harvest season, The Walls Vineyards in Walla Walla, Washington is hosting their Harvest Lunch on October 5, 2024. Including wine from The Walls and delectable food from Passatempo Taverna (which is deeply connected to the farmers and producers of the Walla Walla region), the bounties of local growers are spotlighted in each dish, down to the flour and eggs used to make their handmade pasta. The Walls is known for crafting exciting, original wines using sustainably-grown grapes from the most celebrated AVAs in the Pacific Northwest’s Columbia Valley. From single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons to delicious everyday table reds blended from Washington-grown Portuguese varietals, at lunch, you’ll have a chance to taste the winery’s delightful varietals.
Cinq Cépages Celebration – Kenwood, California
To celebrate the new vintage release from the beautiful, award-winning Chateau St Jean Winery in the heart of Sonoma Valley (in Kenwood, California), the winery is hosting the Cinq Cépages Celebration. For the charming winemaker dinner, you’ll enjoy a sophisticated evening of wine and culinary delights, beginning the evening with a welcome reception on the picturesque Chateau patio, where you’ll be treated to a selection of the winery’s finest wines complemented by gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Following the reception, you’ll enjoy a curated three-course dinner paired with a vertical tasting of the Cinq Cépages vintages, alongside the new winemaker, Lisa Evich, who will share a glimpse into the legacy and passion that goes into crafting these exceptional wines.
Stargazing & Wine Tasting in the Vineyard – Willamette Valley, Oregon
In honor of the magic of Autumn, The Celestial Hill Vineyard located in McMinnville, Oregon (a rising cultural and culinary star in the Willamette Valley), will be hosting its Vineyard Stargazing & Wine Tasting event on October 5, 2024. Since the vineyard is miles from city noise and light pollution, it creates the perfect atmosphere to stargaze. The majestic experience includes a picnic basket including a bottle of choice, a set of keepsake glasses, charcuterie for two, binoculars, and a flashlight to navigate the property. This delightful event offers a memorable and enchanting way to experience the tranquil coziness of fall. Talk about a great idea for a romantic date night!
The Harvest! Reds! At Great Bear Vineyards – Davis, California
In celebration of harvest season, Great Bear Wineries in Davis, California is hosting The Harvest! Reds! at Great Bear Vineyards on October 5, 2024. The charming event will include an active afternoon of grape picking, stomping, and winemaking insights. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of bubbly and a vineyard introduction and tour, followed by grape picking and a classic grape stomp. Enjoy wine served Spanish-style from a Porron (a fun photo opp to say the least!), then get a behind-the-scenes look at Great Bear winery with barrel tastings. Top of the evening with a dinner featuring seasonal bites and a glass of wine.
Charles Krug Harvest Party, Tastings on the Lawn – St. Helena, California
Join Charles Krug Winery at their beloved Harvest Party, Tastings on the Lawn on October 5, 2024, in St. Helena, California (one of the most beautiful towns in Napa Valley). This end-of-the-season party is an annual tradition that has grown in popularity. Their theme is All Things Fall this year, so rock your straw hat and best plaid shirt, as it’s the perfect excuse to get decked out in your seasonal attire for this photo-worthy occasion. Pumpkin carving and glass-blowing demonstrations are in store, along with several wine stations to enjoy limited-release and family-reserve wines. Bring your appetite, as they’ll be serving pasta, pizza, chili, and harvest hash too!
Harvest Hike with Chris Benziger – Glen Ellen, California
Located in Glen Ellen, California (in the shadow of Sonoma Mountain), Benziger Family Winery is a delightful destination for anyone interested in a tour focused on sustainable winemaking and green farming (and catching a glimpse of an adorable flock of sheep!) Family run for more than 40 years, Benziger Family Winery believes the most extraordinary things in life, and wine, come from seeking out the wildly vibrant nature of the land and people around them. On October 5, 2024, they’re hosting their annual Harvest Hike which offers you the opportunity to take in the beauty of their Sonoma Mountain estate alongside Chris Benziger, the host of the hour-long hike and wine tasting, as he shares family stories, insight into Biodynamic farming practices, and details about the company’s award-winning wines that come from this picturesque property. After the hike, stay and enjoy a boxed lunch from the Glen Ellen Market.
Brittingham Farm Fall Wine Dinner Experience – Millsboro, Delaware
Last, but certainly not least, Spain Wine Bar and Brittingham Farms are partnering to host the Brittingham Farm Fall Wine Dinner Experience, which is an indulgent nine-course tasting dinner, on October 7, 2024, in Millsboro, Delaware designed to transport you to an ethereal dreamscape amongst the lush lavender fields. Described as the “Provence of the Eastern Shore,” Brittingham Farms is a magical backdrop for Spain’s celebration of the fall harvest this year. Chef Oscar will prepare dishes made from farm-to-table ingredients of the season, including succulent beef, butternut squash soup, endive and apple salad, and handcrafted elixirs infused with Brittingham’s freshly harvested lavender. Each course will be paired with carefully curated wines by Spain’s expert beverage team. Get excited to enjoy a taste of the season in style at this limited-ticket event, which is sure to sell-out fast.
To discover other inspiring events and incredible travel destinations, check out the Special Events and Travel sections on Inspirations & Celebrations. If you’re looking for fashion tips on what to wear to a food & wine festival, check out this style guide. Stay tuned, as I’ll be sharing more charming fall festivals, extravagant food and wine events, and uber-ghoul Halloween parties around the country coming up this month!
[Event images c/o featured event hosts.]