September is our favorite time of the year
With harvest in full swing, and a tasting room bustling with guests, September is the busiest time of year here at Beringer. It’s also our favorite, because all the excitement the month brings reminds us why we love what we do so much. Great wine brings people together and makes everything – from celebrations on the town to quiet time on the porch – just that much more delicious.
Along with harvest-time, September is also California Wine Month. This annual event brings wineries throughout Napa Valley and across the state’s growing regions together with visitors from around the world to celebrate the harvest with tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, farm-to-table dinners, fairs, and more all month long.
Changing the world, one glass at a time
Even before California joined the union, it was already known for its ability to influence people across the globe. From the Gold Rush to Hollywood, surf culture to digital technology, California’s free-spirited energy continues to be felt far and wide. At Beringer, we’re proud to have played a big part in establishing one of the state’s most enduring legacies, wine. When Beringer was established 150 years ago, grounded in Jacob and Frederick Beringer’s vision for craftsmanship and innovation, a legacy was born – one we proudly carry on today with every new vintage.
California Wine Month Trivia
Quiz your friends over a glass of Beringer!
- 81% of all US wines are made in CA.
- 95% of all American wine exports come to life in California’s vineyards.
- Wine grapes are grown in 49 of California’s 58 counties.
- There are 154 recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in California, the most of any state.
- Napa Valley is the oldest AVA in California, officially established on January 28, 1981.
- More than 110 varieties of wine grapes are grown in California.
- The top 5 wine varietals crushed during harvest season in California are:
o 1) Chardonnay
o 2) Cabernet Sauvignon
o 3) French Colombard
o 4) Pinot Noir
o 4) Zinfandel
Source: USDA, “Top of the Glass,” 4/29/25
2022 Distinction Series Cabernet Sauvignon
Every wine in a portfolio has its place, the established style and characteristics it aims to achieve year after year in an intimate dance between the winemaker’s skill and the vagaries of Nature. The Distinction Series, on the other hand, shows what happens when our winemakers go out and play. This outstanding wine was created to give them the freedom to take risks and explore novel ways of working with our unique vineyard sites. Distinction blends hillside and valley fruit from distinct sub-appellations, including Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, and Mt. Veeder, into a vibrant, complex, and intriguingly irresistible red. It reflects the strength and diversity of the Napa Valley terroir and a winemaking team at the top of their game.
94 points, JamesSuckling.com, May 2022
Tasting Notes
Aromas: Sun-ripened black currant, wild blackberry, dark cherry, spiced cedar, vanilla bean, and clove
Flavors: Incredibly fresh, ripe blueberries and blackberries
Palate: Full and luscious with a firm structure and fine-grained tannins
Food Pairing: A balanced combination of bright and earthy-savory flavors and textures, like our Pumpkin Risotto or Steakhouse Brunch
Shop Distinction Series Cabernet Sauvignon
2024 Private Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay
Round and luscious, one sip of this California wine icon reveals the “why” behind our influential Private Reserve program – French oak and Napa Valley grapes are simply a match made in heaven.
The Beringer family were always strong believers in the value of oak in fine winemaking. Founders Jacob and Frederick commissioned large American oak casks when they first built the winery because having more wood surface in contact with the wine allowed it to “breathe” better while aging. In 1977, we elevated our long-running oak tradition, exchanging American oak barrels for those grown and made in the prestigious Nevers, France, region. This was the beginning of the Private Reserve program which aimed to achieve exceptional depth, complexity, and structure. Today, Beringer is the first and only winery to have both a red and a white selected “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator, for our 1986 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 1994 Private Reserve Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes
Aromas: Layers of grilled pineapple, lemon meringue, toasted hazelnut, mandarin zest, chamomile, and crème brûlé
Flavors: Citrus curd, warm spice, and soft tropical fruit
Palate: Creamy yet fresh and finely tuned with a bright, focused line of acidity
Food Pairing: Foods that balance a rich texture with bright, fruity, or subtly spiced elements, like our Peach & Almond Crumble with Burrata or Strawberry-Balsamic Dutch Baby Pancake
Shop Private Reserve Chardonnay
2022 Knights Valley Reserve Red Blend
Love big, bold yet elegant reds? This is your wine. The fruit for our Knights Valley Reserve Red Blend is grown in heavier, rockier, gravelly soil types at slightly higher elevations of 200–500 ft, and only the most expressive lots are chosen. Extended maceration creates more dominant tannins, deepening the lush mouthfeel while extracting maximum color, aroma, and flavor. It’s aged in small French oak barrels (60% new) for 23 months for even more richness and structure.
Located next door to Napa in the far eastern corner of the Sonoma growing region, Knights Valley earned recognition as an AVA in 1983, due mainly to the efforts of the Beringer family. A remote valley covered with large, rounded rocks from an ancient volcanic landslide, this small-but-mighty winegrowing region produces grapes that burst with “wild” aromas, bright acidity, concentrated pure fruit flavors, and unique textures.
Tasting Notes
Aromas: Captivating black currant, dark plum, black cherry, violet, sage, and lavender
Flavors: Robust black pepper, star anise, ripe black fruit, sweet baking spice, and warm oak
Palate: Rich, full-bodied, and structured with finely grained tannins and fresh acidity
Food Pairing: Rich, savory foods, especially anything roasted or charred on the grill, like our Grilled Corn & Farrow Salad or Lamb Chops with Root Vegetables
#66 Top 100 Wines of the USA 2025, JamesSuckling.com, October 2025
Shop Knights Valley Reserve Red Blend
How to Celebrate California Wine Month
With so many wines and fun options to explore, there’s something for everyone all month long.
|
Activity |
Wine Pairing |
Why It Works |
|
Host a Vertical Wine Tasting Party |
Private Reserve Chardonnay |
Compare vintages and discover how wines evolve over time |
|
Outdoor Dinner Party |
Distinction Series Cabernet Sauvignon |
Perfect for September’s seasonal produce |
|
Game Night with Friends |
Knights Valley Reserve Red Blend |
Combine entertainment with California wine culture and steaks on the grill |
|
Visit Napa Valley |
Experience harvest season firsthand at our historic estate during our 150th anniversary celebration – it’s happening all year long. |
FAQs
What is California Wine Month?
California Wine Month is an official celebration held every September to recognize California's contributions to the wine industry. The state produces over 81% of all wine made in the United States and is home to world-renowned regions, like Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
Can I visit Beringer Vineyards during harvest season?
Absolutely! September is one of the most exciting times to visit Beringer. You can watch harvest activities, tour our historic estate, including the Rhine House, and taste our award-winning wines. We recommend booking your visit in advance, especially during peak harvest season. And because it’s our 150th anniversary, there are extra-special celebration events happening during harvest and all year long.
When is harvest season in Napa Valley?
Harvest season in Napa Valley typically runs from late August through October, with September being the peak month for many varietals. The exact timing depends on the grape variety, weather conditions, and desired ripeness levels.
