This month, wine lovers have something special to look forward to—the “Come Over October” initiative!
Wineries are offering complimentary tastings and fall events at select wineries across Sonoma and Napa. Now that the stress of harvest is behind us and the weather is finally starting to cool down, it really is the perfect time to dive into the region’s vibrant wine culture.
I recently visited some of these wonderful wineries in Northern California to check it out myself – here’s your insider’s guide to what each spot has brewing this autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Come Over October
What is Come Over October?
“Come Over October” is a nationwide celebration that invites friends, family, and wine enthusiasts to come together and enjoy complimentary wine tastings and special events. This initiative aims to create memorable experiences and strengthen connections through shared enjoyment of wine.
Where is Come Over October taking place?
While Sonoma and Napa are key participants, “Come Over October” is happening across the United States. From Oregon’s lush vineyards to the scenic Finger Lakes in New York, wineries nationwide are joining in the festivities. Additionally, many wineries are offering virtual wine tastings, making the celebration accessible no matter where you are.
Who organized Come Over October?
The initiative was created by wine journalist Karen MacNeil, along with PR and communications experts Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET. Their company, Come Together—A Community for Wine Inc., leads “Come Over October” with a mission to foster genuine connections through the shared experience of wine.
Why was Come Over October established?
“Come Over October” was founded in response to changes in the wine industry, including shifting societal trends and evolving tastes among younger generations. The goal is to revive the joy of sharing wine and creating meaningful conversations in a setting free from digital distractions, much like initiatives that encourage phone-free dining.
How do wineries participate in Come Over October?
Wineries can join “Come Over October” by offering complimentary wine tastings, hosting seasonal events like harvest festivals, live music, and curated food pairings. Some wineries also offer virtual wine tastings to reach a wider audience. For details on each winery’s participation, visit their official websites or social media pages.
Can I join Come Over October if I don’t live near a wine region?
Absolutely! Even if you’re not near a wine region, you can still participate. Many wineries are hosting virtual wine events, allowing you to enjoy tastings from home. Alternatively, you can gather with friends, purchase a bottle from a local store, and celebrate the initiative together.
How do I find out which wineries are participating?
Finding participating wineries is easy. Follow the hashtag #ComeOverOctober on social media platforms or visit the official websites of your favorite wineries for updates and event details. Most wineries actively promote their “Come Over October” activities on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and their own websites.
Complimentary Tastings in Northern California
This year, some Sonoma and Napa wineries are participating in the “Come Over October” initiative by offering complimentary wine tastings and special experiences. Here’s an overview of what each winery is providing:
Copain Wines – Healdsburg
Located on a hilltop estate in Healdsburg, Copain Wines offers complimentary tastings for guests and up to three guests. The tasting includes selections of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Visitors can enjoy these wines while appreciating the views of the Russian River Valley.
La Crema Wines – Windsor
La Crema Wines in Windsor is hosting a “Fall Fest” on October 12. The event features seasonal appetizers, wine tastings, and live music. Guests will have the opportunity to sample Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays during this autumn-themed celebration.
Stonestreet Winery – Healdsburg
Situated in the heart of Alexander Valley, Stonestreet Winery provides complimentary tastings for two guests, which include wines from their mountain vineyards. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding hills and terrain.
Matanzas Creek – Santa Rosa
Matanzas Creek Winery in Santa Rosa’s Bennett Valley invites guests to complimentary tastings for two. The focus here is on their sustainable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery also features lavender fields and a serene vineyard setting, making it a really unique tasting experience.
Siduri Wines – Healdsburg
Siduri Wines, located in downtown Healdsburg right off the main square, offers complimentary tastings for two guests. The tasting room specializes in Pinot Noir, showcasing wines from both Oregon and California regions.
Freemark Abbey – St. Helena
At Freemark Abbey Winery in Napa Valley, guests can enjoy a complimentary 30-minute bar tasting daily. On October 19, the winery will also host a “Fall Celebration” that includes food pairings, barrel tastings, and live music.
Kendall-Jackson – Santa Rosa
Kendall-Jackson Estate in Santa Rosa is offering complimentary tastings for two. Additionally, the winery also provides guided tours that detail their sustainable winemaking practices, from vineyard management to bottling processes. The estate is truly gorgeous, with rambling gardens that are worth visiting on their own merit.
My Experience with Come Over October
Matanzas Creek
Driving down the quiet country road to Matanzas Creek, I immediately felt the peace of the Sonoma countryside. The winery is surrounded by fields where cows graze and horses rest under the shade of large trees.
The architecture is impressive, seamlessly blending modern design with the natural beauty of the hills. Despite its spacious footprint, there are a surprising amount of intimate corners within the tasting area.
Our host, Chris, was both friendly and knowledgeable. We sampled three wines: the 2022 Bennett Valley Sauvignon Blanc, the 2021 Alexander Valley Chardonnay, and the 2018 Bennett Valley Merlot. The Sauvignon Blanc was light and crisp, perfect with oysters. The Chardonnay had rich berry and cherry aromas, while the Merlot stood out with strong cherry notes and a hint of espresso and white pepper, making it a great choice for pairing with a meal.
Although the lavender fields were out of season, their subtle scent was still pleasant as we walked through. We also visited the small lavender shop, which was a nice touch and added to the overall charm of the visit.
Kendall Jackson
Arriving at Kendall-Jackson, I was immediately taken by their stunning gardens. The combination of vibrant floral beds and a well-maintained culinary garden really stood out, highlighting their dedication to both beauty and functionality.
The tasting room was seamlessly integrated into the garden setting, providing a peaceful and inviting space to enjoy a glass of wine.
The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making me feel right at home. They shared insights into their sustainable winemaking practices, which added depth to the tasting experience.
While the wines were enjoyable, what truly made the visit memorable was the serene environment and the thoughtful layout of the gardens.
Siduri Wines
We wrapped up our little tour at Siduri’s tasting lounge in Healdsburg, and it was the perfect final stop. The lounge has a really funky vibe with record players spinning some great tunes and a large mural map that highlights the vineyards and pays homage to the original owner’s Texas roots.
We were especially impressed by the cool climate Pinots-they were exactly what we were looking for. Our host was incredibly engaging; we could have easily spent the entire evening just chatting. It was fascinating to learn that Siduri operates more as a negociant, sourcing grapes from various partner vineyards, which gives their wines a unique and diverse character. The winery is named after the Babylonian goddess of wine, and that theme is beautifully reflected in the lounge’s stylish décor. Siduri truly offered a memorable experience, blending great wine with a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
