September in the Willamette Valley is a season of transition. The days are still warm and inviting, but there’s a noticeable excitement in the air as grape harvest gets underway across the region. For vineyards and wineries, this is one of the most anticipated times of the year, as months of work in the vineyard culminate in the start of a new vintage.

There’s still plenty happening throughout wine country this month, too. From Labor Day celebrations and live music to harvest parties, creative workshops, and food and wine experiences, September is a wonderful time to visit the Willamette Valley with a full calendar of activities.

Here’s your guide to September events in Willamette Valley wine country.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Make the most of the long weekend with a visit to wine country. Several wineries are hosting special events and extended hours over Labor Day weekend, making it an ideal time to gather with friends, enjoy the last days of summer, and raise a glass to the season.

• Pinot & Pups at Dobbes Family Winery | Sept. 5–7
  • Complimentary dog treats and local pet vendor pop-up
• Labor Day Weekend at Yamhill Valley Vineyards | Sept. 5–7
  • Self-guided vineyard tours, lawn games, BYO picnic, wine specials
• Wine & Charcuterie Pairing at Natalie's Estate | Sept. 5–7
  • $30 tasting flight with a curated charcuterie board featuring tri-tip bites, mushroom crostini, salmon & dill spread, and dark chocolate truffles. Reservations required.
• Fall Vinyl Record Pop-Up Market at Styring Vineyard | Sept 5–6
  • ~1,000 vinyl records for sale, live music, and a special wine tasting menu pairing music and wine. Reservations required. 
• Hyland Block Party at Hyland Estates | Sept. 5
  • Food, live music, and a rare opportunity to taste this legendary vineyard through different winemaking styles. Tickets required
• Harvest Party at Saffron Fields Vineyard | Sept. 6
  • Smokehouse BBQ, live music, vendor pop-up, and harvest games competition. $45 includes food, first splash, and game admission. Kids 12 and under are free.
• 2-for-1 Tastings at Bella Vida 360° | Sept. 6
  • Lawn games, picnics, and panoramic views
• Labor Day Concert at Tumwater Vineyard | Sept. 7
  • $20 concert on the lawn from 1-4 PM. Tickets required.
• In A Landscape at Soter Vineyards | Sept. 7
  • An immersive outdoor concert designed to connect music, nature, and place. Tickets required.
• Happy Hour at Trellis | Sept. 7
  • Every Monday-Friday from 2-5 PM

Several wineries will also be open for the holiday. Check out the Labor Day Hours before you visit to see which wineries are open and plan your wine country weekend.

HARVEST SEASON

September brings a special energy to the Willamette Valley as harvest approaches and, depending on the vintage and location, begins in vineyards across the region. For winemakers and vineyard crews, it’s the culmination of a year of work and the beginning of the winemaking process that will eventually become the wines you enjoy for years to come.

You can get a taste of the excitement at events celebrating the season, including the Carlton Crush Grape Stomping Competition & Harvest Festival in Carlton, Oregon, on September 12 and the Grape Stomp Championship & Harvest Celebration at Willamette Valley Vineyards on Sept. 12–13.

Even if you’re not participating in a harvest event, September is a wonderful time to visit. Keep an eye out for activity in the vineyards, from crews working among the vines to bins of freshly picked grapes making their way to the winery.

Carlton Crush Grape Stomping Competition & Harvest Festival

Willamette Valley Vineyard Grape Stomping Championship

LIVE MUSIC & PERFORMANCES

There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy wine country with a soundtrack this September. Take in live music on a lawn, terrace, or vineyard, or settle in for an evening performance.

• Music Night on the Terrace at Amaterra Wines | Thursdays
• Weekly Live Music at Celestial Hill | Thursdays
• Friday Night Music on the Estate at J. Christopher Wines | Fridays
• Live Music Friday at Willamette Valley Vineyards - McMinnville | Fridays
• Summer Jams: Bronwen Roberts at Rain Dance Vineyards | Sept. 3
• Live on the Lawn at Sokol Blosser Winery | Sept. 3 & 10
• Sunset Social at Domaine Willamette | Sept. 4
• Summer Music Series: Blacksmith Neighbors at Van Duzer Vineyards | Sept. 6
• In a Landscape at Stoller Family Estate | Sept. 6
• Music in the Hills at Résonance Dundee Hills | Sept. 13
• Music from the Top at Dominio IV | Sept. 18
• Summer Music Series at Into the Woods at Willamette Valley Vineyards | Sept. 19
• Dante Zapata at Chemeketa Cellars | Sept. 24

>>> BROWSE ALL MUSIC EVENTS HERE

FOOD & WINE EVENTS

As summer transitions into fall, September is a great month to linger over a meal, enjoy a special pairing, or make an afternoon of wine tasting.

• Field & Vine Dinner at Résonance | Sept. 5
• St. Innocent Winemaker Dinner at The Cozy Taberna | Sept. 10
• Annual Harvest Dinner at Balsall Creek | Sept. 13
• Taco Tuesday at Cória Estates | Sept. 15
• The Maker's Table: Soter Vineyards at Portland Art Museum | Sept. 17
• Seafood Boil at Stoller Family Estate | Sept. 18
• Pinot & Pizza at Nysa Vineyard | Sept. 26
• Oysters & Sparkling Shellabration at CASA ROCO | Sept. 26

>>> BROWSE ALL FOOD & WINE EVENTS HERE

SEPTEMBER IN WINE COUNTRY

Whether you’re planning a Labor Day weekend getaway, hoping to catch a glimpse of harvest, or simply looking for a reason to spend a September afternoon in wine country, there’s plenty to explore throughout the Willamette Valley.

>>> Explore all upcoming events in the Willamette Valley