By Virginie Boone

In a state responsible for the vast majority of wine made in America, we are blessed with an embarrassment of riches to enjoy not only this month, but every month.

What we recognize as California Wine Month is marking its 20th anniversary this year, a month designated officially by the California State Legislature to recognize the state’s centuries-long history of winemaking and the economic importance of grape growing and wine.

Current numbers place California wine generating $170 billion annually ($73 billion in annual economic activity in California alone), as well as contributing 1.1 million jobs across the U.S.

And Sonoma County is a crucial part of the picture, its wine grapes worth roughly $548 million a year.

The official bill text for California Wine Month introduced in Senate Concurrent Resolution 160 by Senator Bill Dodd during the 2023-2024 regular session acknowledges that “California wine has been a rich part of the Golden State’s economy and culture for more than 250 years.”

It also states, “California wineries are mainly family-owned businesses, many of which are proudly multigenerational and pass on time-honored traditions while taking advantage of new innovations, producing 81 percent of America’s wine.”

There are nearly 6,000 grape growers working across 615,000 acres of vineyards across 49 of California’s 58 counties, planted to more than 100 varieties of grapes across the state. There are more than 150 American Viticultural Areas here.

The state is also recognized for having “the most comprehensive and widely adopted sustainability programs in the world, about 80 percent of California wine is made in more than 188 certified sustainable wineries and over one-half of the state’s vineyard acreage is certified sustainable.”

“The dedication of California wineries to sustainability,” it continues, “is reflected in their approach to producing wine with commitment, collaboration, innovation, investment and leadership, all of which help to secure the future of the wine community for generations to come.”

California wine also represents 95 percent of American wine exports.

Wine also draws tourists. More than 25 million people visit the more than 6,200 bonded wineries and tasting rooms across the state every year.

Some of the ways to celebrate California Wine Month in Sonoma County this month include:

California Wine Month along the Wine Road – held through the end of the month across 12 locations, this features deals and specials on tastings, farm tours and more. Alexander Valley Vineyards, Trattore Farms and Winery, La Crema at Saralee’s Vineyard and Limerick Lane are among the participants.

Sonoma County Wine Celebration – held over several days, September 19-21, this includes an opening reception, Friday night party and live wine auction held at Chateau St. Jean, as well as wine tours and special dining experiences.

Sunset Thursday – September 26 at Pedroncelli Winery in Geyserville, a bring-your-own-picnic experience, this is a chance to enjoy wine and live music on the patio beside the winery’s brand-new outdoor bar.

Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival – September 26-28, held on the Sonoma Valley Plaza in celebration of Sonoma Valley’s 200 years as a winegrowing region, with 2024 designated as the year of the farmer. Will feature a Friday night harvest dinner at Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Saturday Blessing of the Grapes on Sonoma Valley Plaza, Grape Stomp, Artisans Festival of Live Music, Food & Wine, and Grand Tasting on the Sonoma Barracks.