Community Corner

October Means Fall Harvest in Northern California: Grapes, Pumpkins, Apples, & More

It's crush season in Napa Valley and Amador County, apple harvesting time at Apple Hill, and Halloween means pumpkin carving. Here is your guide to all things fall this month.

By Lindsey Hickman and Lauren Gibbs

Fall in Northern California means harvest is in full force. You'll find farmers all over the state gathering ripe crops from tomatoes to almonds, but consumers are most familiar with October favorites like pumpkins, apples, and wine grapes.

It’s Crush in California Wine Country

If you’re a red wine lover and haven’t visited Amador County, you are missing out. About an hour southeast of Sacramento, nestled in the historic gold country of Shenandoah Valley, you’ll find a home known for their Barbera, Tempranillo and Zinfandel grapes.

Find a list of crush events here:

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Big Crush Harvest Festival

October 5 and 6, 2013 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Food, Music, and Harvest Activities. Big Crush Winery activity details coming soon. Saturday/Sunday $40 Sunday Only $30 Designated Driver $10. ONLINE TICKETS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. Tickets will be available at the event for $5 more each.

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Big Crush Event Details

On an editorial note, some of my personal favorites include Helwig Winery’s Round-Up Red, Driven Cellars 454, and Karmere Vineyards Naughty Bawdy Blend.

Of course one can’t talk about California wine without mentioning Napa Valley. You’ll find dozens of harvest options all month long here

Apples

If you are in the mood for some apple pie, apple cider, apple fritters, and even apple wine, Apple Hill in Camino is the place for you. 

Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, Family fun all around from pick-your-own farms to art galleries, you will find more than a bargain on a bushel or two. 

Pumpkins

Here are the Top 5 Yelp-rated Sacramento-area pumpkin patch locations to pick your perfect carving canvas.

1. Uncle Ray's Pumpkin Patch

19376 Old River Rd
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 997-8573

2. U Pick Pumpkin Patch
5415 Kenneth Ave
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 765-7932

3. Roemer Pumpkin Patch
6851 Hedge Ave
Sacramento, CA 95829
(916) 381-4331

4. Vierra Farms
3010 Burrows Ave
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 849-9450

5. Bastiao Farms
3845 El Centro Rd
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 925-2947


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