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The official start of autumn may be Friday, September 22nd, but fall seems to get here earlier and earlier each year. The internet’s love for #AutumnVibes can be polarizing, with many cheering on the start of Pumpkin Spice Latte season, while others want to enjoy every last ounce of sunshine before summer ends. Click through the gallery for six signs that autumn has already arrived in Sonoma County. (Photo courtesy of Eric Ross Vineyard)
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August is the new September for back to school: Mid-August is a transitional time for parents, with back to school clothing shopping, filling out paperwork, and making sure that their kids have everything they need for their backpacks. Gone are the days of a late August summer vacation and heading to class after Labor Day. Kids may be sad that summer is over, but many parents are rejoicing about having their schedules back.
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Harvest season begins: Who doesn't love the smell of fermentation in the morning? Sparkling wine harvest in Russian River Valley and Carneros Valley started in early August this year, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (still) wines in close pursuit. Many Sonoma County vineyards start earlier than Napa Valley vineyards, which pick more robust Cabernet grapes. Higher sugar grapes like Zinfandels and Cabernets have to mature longer on the vine, so harvest is just around the corner for vineyards growing these varieties. (Photo by Shana Bull)
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According to the Sonoma Economic Board, over 226,000 tons of grapes were picked in Sonoma County in 2016, a larger yield than the previous year, and 2017 is expected to bring even more grapes. Harvest season is a time for wine industry workers to say hello to long hours and goodbye to their summer vacations. (Photo by John Burgess)
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Fall's farm-to-table foods arrive at markets and in restaurants. Farm to table focuses on seasonal ingredients, picked at their peak. Farmers markets in Sonoma County now reflect the changing season in each stall and local restaurants swap their menus from summer salads to fall favorites like heirloom tomatoes, Mission figs, and Gravenstein apples. The long rainy season and foggy mornings have pushed the season out further. (Photo by Shana Bull)
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A Tomato Tart from Chloe’s French Café in Santa Rosa.
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The leaves, they are are a changin. Even before the grapes are picked, leaves in the vineyards begin changing from bright green to golden yellow, burnt orange, and intense reds. A drive through Dry Creek Valley puts the fall foliage in the vineyards on full display. (Photo by Shana Bull)
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Pumpkin Spice Lattes arrive in August (according to rumors). Everyone's favorite Starbucks drink may be released even earlier this year. It is only a rumor, but the craze for the Pumpkin Spice Latte has Starbucks fans excited for a late August release date. McDonald's may offer a copycat version even earlier. (Photo courtesy of Starbucks)
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Want to make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte? Local spice shop, Berkman Spices just started selling their pumpkin spice rub at the Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market and the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market. (Photo by Shana Bull)
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Sweater weather is here, and it’s all about layers. The end of August may still see warm days, but the weather is not as hot as June or July. Fog covers the sky in the early mornings (sorry total eclipse viewers) and late nights are cool. August weather is ideal for a light cardigan or even a scarf. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Coast Vineyards)
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Anyone leaving their homes early for school, work or a day of wine tasting should make sure to wear layers for the differences in temperature. Let's hear from you. Are you ready for autumn to start? Or do you want summer to last forever? (Photo of Bow N Arrows in Cotati by John Burgess)
