Wine festival at Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm approaches

The annual Golden Autumn Wine Festival is a local event that people really enjoy, according to Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way Executive Director Bob Harlan. So much so, that several continually return for it.

"I think that speaks highly for the event to have people coming back multiple years and also letting their friends know about what a good event it is," Harlan said. "The people who come to the event are the best salespeople for the event."

He said there is not another one like it in the Yuba-Sutter area.

"If you go to Sacramento County, you're going to find a big wine tasting event that has 40 wineries, but for our area – close to home – for a reasonable price, people are able to enjoy," Harlan said. "And people can buy the wines, and we sell hundreds of bottles of wine at the event. So that's another testament to it – people enjoy the wines that are being tasted and are purchasing them to take home and enjoy at home."

This year’s Golden Autumn Wine Festival is happening at Bishop's Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland on Sunday, with a choice of two tasting sessions: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1:45-3:45 p.m.

"We have been so fortunate for nine years to have the donation of a wonderful venue, in the shady apple orchard, known as The Other Side of the Tracks at Bishop's Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland," Harlan said.

Organizers hope that the public can come and enjoy the wines and music, meet new people, talk with someone they know or learn more about the wines.

"You're talking directly to the vendors themselves. You're not just buying wine off the shelf without tasting it and without talking about how it's made," Harlan said. "And what kinds of grapes and how they do their procedure."

Admission is $50 per person, with all net proceeds going to programs serving those in need in the community through the Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way, according to a press release.

According to its website, over the last three years, Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way has provided more than $41,000 annually to the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank and local food pantries. Its office also annually fields over 500 telephone, website and social media requests for help with rental payments, utility payments, food distribution locations and many other critical needs.

Being early in Bishop's Pumpkin Farm's season, there is no parking fee for the Golden Autumn Wine Festival, nor is there a pumpkin farm admission fee, which is typically the case. According to organizers, all of Bishop's shops, rides and displays will be open.

"As we have to abide by our Alcoholic Beverage Control license, we are unable to allow anyone under 21 to enter the venue, including infants being held in arms or in strollers," Harlan said.

Tickets can be purchased online at yscunitedway.org. Designated drivers at least 21 years old will be admitted free of charge.

The 11 wineries taking part in the event include the following: Bangor Ranch Winery, Cante Ao Vinho, Capay Valley Vineyards, Dora Dain Winery, Grindstone Wines, Hickman Family Vineyards, Munger Family Vineyard, Odyssey Winery, Rappe Family Winery, Sicilia Vineyards and Wolfe Heights Estates.

Four specialty vendors also will be at the festival. They include: Bridge Coffee Co., Calolea Olive Oil, Cowboy BBQ and Salle's Farm Fresh Graze.