The Sonoma County Harvest Fair is the single best wine tasting event in Sonoma Wine Country and is held at the beginning of October annually. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair features wine tasting as well as a petting zoo, grape stomp, produce displays, and lots of family fun. Wineries from all over enter their Sonoma County sourced wines in the wine competition, which is judged by some of the world's most respected wine judges. The center of attraction is the festival pavilion, where the winners pour their wines at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, making it an opportunity to try hundreds of the county's best wines in one stop.

Over 1000 wines compete for top honors. Lots of family fun too. Another great attraction at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair is the World Championship Grape Stomp. I guarantee you have seen nothing like it before! Check out the grape stomp video here.

Overall the Sonoma County Harvest Fair is one of our favorites. There is something about the crisp fall air that creates a certain electricity, crush is in progress or over for most and everyone at the fair is in great spirits. If you really want to get a feel of what Sonoma County is like, the Sonoma County Harvest Fair typifies the Sonoma County spirit.

FAMILY FUN: Lots of fun activities for kids. Sweet Lil's Farmery will be on hand with tons of cute barnyard animals. A fun new addition to the Harvest Fair is the Pumpkin Stage, which will feature a giant pumpkin weigh-off, pumpkin carving, painting and pumpkin cake baking.

LARGE RETAIL STORE: The Harvest Fair Marketplace in the Garrett Hall will offer all medal winning wines arranged in varietal order. They’ll also offer packing and shipping of your wines if you wish by Wine Country Shipping -- right at the store. Purchase single bottles at 10% off, 6-11 bottles at 15% off and a full case of wine at 20% off. What a deal!

ART SHOW SALE & AUCTION: Located in the Finley Building, view or purchase art celebrating Sonoma County's Harvest. Hours are Friday 12 noon to 7pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am to 7pm. Get a sneak peak of the show Thursday night at the Art Reception held from 5:30 to 8:00pm and will feature wine, light appetizers and music. Tickets are $20.00.

Tickets go on sale August 15, 2012