Remember the I Love Lucy episode where Lucy is barefoot in a wooden vat engaging in a hilarious grape stomp-off with an Italian woman?

The 1956 episode humorously depicts the “old school” method of breaking the grape berries, so the juice, pulp, seeds, skins, and stems hang together for a while. Of course, it’s been some time since human feet crushed the grapes; it’s done by machine or hand tool today. However, the crush is still part of the wine grape harvest season and winemaking process.

How lucky can I be to have Anderson Valley (AV) as one of my neighbors? Kevin and I spent several days in Anderson Valley chatting with farmers, winemakers, chefs, cooks, and lodging hosts, learning what visitors will experience during crush and harvest. We were treated to wine tastings, shown how wine is made, and sampled fruits and vegetables. In addition, we were hosted for a food and wine pairing at Bewildered Pig. Touring accommodations were a real treat. AV has some enchanting places for you to stay while experiencing the crush.

Fall is a busy time at vineyards and wineries and one of the best times to visit. In AV, there are more than grapes being harvested. Vegetable, fruit, meat, and dairy harvests are also underway. So, it is the best time to visit. The wineries, farms, eateries, and lodging I’ve shared are by no means the only places to experience crush in America’s Greenest Wine Region, Mendocino County.

Best Anderson Valley Vineyards To Enjoy During Crush Season

“Anderson Valley, where the vineyards crash into the redwoods,” Randy Schock, winemaker at Handley Cellars, stated.

Sometimes called “the wine road to the Mendocino Coast,” AV is an extraordinary place during the California harvest season. With more than 30 tasting rooms, you’ll make many new wine friends.

These are some of the folks we chatted with, tasted, and toured while researching Anderson Valley crush and harvest.

1. Brashley Vineyards

One of the newest wineries in AV, Brashley Vineyards, has the distinction of being a bi-coastal winemaking group, with wineries in AV and the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.

Stop by the beautiful tasting room to try their pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, and rosé. The tasting patio is lovely and comfortable, with a gorgeous mountain view. During our visit, Ashley and Bram Palm (winery owners) announced the addition of a chef to create light noshes and pairings of…