September is wine month in California

California is celebrating wine this month with festivals, tastings, grape stomps and tours.
Check out the "The Land of Wine and Food" Web site at http://www.landofwineandfood.com for information on events as well as a wine region locator that can be searched by location or even by wine varietal for things to do.

In the Carmel Valley on Sept. 26, you can watch as 10 tons of grapes are crushed, then join Chateau Julien winemakers for a dinner in the wine cellar. Chumeia Vineyards is hosting an ice cream social Sept. 19-20 and a wine cruise around Morro Bay Sept. 27. At Pipestone Vineyards, you'll get your hands (and feet) purple with a hands-on winemaking class on Sept. 28.

Tesoro Winery in Temecula is organizing a "Biker Brunch" with a five-course meal following a motorcycle tour of the area. The American Wine and Food Festival in Los Angeles, Sept. 26-28, which raises money for Los Angeles Meals on Wheels, features celebrity chefs, live music, tastings and a feast.

In Napa, Groth Winery and Vineyards is celebrating "Wine in the Insectary" to showcase the 44 different species planted there to attract beneficial insects.

The "Flights of Napa" event, Sept. 26-28, is a showcase for jets, gourmet food, cigars and wine.