And speaking of the harvest....

A good time can always be expected at the annual Sonoma County Harvest Fair, where the wine tasting event is a must, and worth the extra few bucks. Nowhere else can you get tastes all in one place of some of the most sought-after and small production wines from Sonoma County's many wine appellations, all distinctly different.

Table after table of wine producers –– small, medium, and large –– generously pour their finest. Sample some of the best wine found anywhere (small bites of food, too), and receive a free logo glass that you wouldn't be ashamed to use again at home among friends. Take it from me –– I have a whole cabinet full of them collected down through the years.

This year, Alexander Valley hit the jackpot in the wine judging, with all three sweepstakes-winning wines emanating from that region. The tables for Alexander Valley Vineyards, Stryker Winery, and Simi Winery were popular with the tasters, who may not have another chance to try or buy the 2007 Estate Viognier, 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2007 Late Harvest Riesling produced by these wineries.

Outside the wine tasting arena, the fair features exhibits, vendors, and creative displays using pumpkins, dried corn, and assorted other autumn-inspired crafts. And don't forget the wine barrel stomp, a competition open to anyone in the world, not just locals. It's too late to sign up for the 2010 fair (the last stomp took place this afternoon), but there's always next year! Plan accordingly to participate or watch.