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
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 RegionalPark, 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 (Formerly Quarryhill)
With its one-of-a-kind Asian Woodland full of a gorgeous array of various deciduous trees and perennials – many of which are rare and endangered – the North Bay’s only botanic garden is one of the most unique places in Sonoma Valley to experience autumn..
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.
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!
Fall festivals and harvest-time events in Sonoma County
From wine to pumpkins, find fall fun for all ages! Don’t miss these events!
Sept. 24, 2023, 11am- 3pm
Harvest Party at Cornerstone Sonoma
Experience the harvest season with family fun! Sonoma.
Sat, Sept. 30, 2023, 8:15am
Oktoberfest at The Patch
Don’t miss this activity-packed day at the Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch!
Oktoberfest 8k, Oktoberfest Beer Mile competition, Orange Obstacle Course, Kid’s Pumpkin Run, and more fun Pumpkin Patch activities. Seasonal beers and German foods.
Sept 29-30, 2023
Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival on the Sonoma Plaza
A celebration of Sonoma Valley’s 199th annual wine grape harvest. Sonoma.
Sat, Sept. 30, 2023, 10am–3pm
Harvest Festival at Bayer Farm
LandPaths celebrates the 16th anniversary of Bayer Farm with live music, educational workshops for the whole family, garden tours, dance performances, salsa competition, community engagement opportunities, and more. Santa Rosa.
Oct. 14, 2023,10am-3pm
SRJC Shone Farm Fall Festival
U-pick pumpkins and apples, farm equipment displays, children’s activities, hay bale rides, lunch, and more! Forestville.
Oct. 14, 2023, 12- 4pm
Sonoma County Harvest Fair
Taste over 100 wineries at the Grand Tasting Pavilion and participate in the World Championship Grape Stomp! Santa Rosa.
Sat, Oct. 14, 2023, 10am-4:30pm
Fort Ross Harvest Festival
Enjoy autumn’s fresh air with friends and family along the scenic Sonoma coast. Jenner.
Sun, Oct. 15, 2023, 12-4pm
Healdsburg Crush
Enjoy a day of premium wine tasting in the Healdsburg Plaza! All proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs Sonoma-Marin. Healdsburg.
Sat, Oct. 28, 2023, 8:30am–12pm
Healdsburg Farmers’ Market Pumpkin Festival and Costume Competition
Festive competitions including pumpkin decorating (with wheels), pumpkin carving and best costume. Prizes await!
Check out our Guide to Halloween and Día de los Muertos events for 2023!
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