Fun ways to experience the season

Biodynamic farmer Lou Preston in a field of rye on his 125-acre farm in Healdsburg in the Dry Creek Vallley. (photo by Erik Castro)

Once a year, harvest takes hold of Wine Country and fills it with the irresistible aroma of fermenting grapes.

To experience this annual rite of passage, to glimpse vineyard crews frisk the vines for fruit, to see some intriguing harvest equipment, you need a savvy guide.

Bob Fraser, who teaches a course called the “AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) of Sonoma County” at Santa Rosa Junior college, is the ultimate tour guide, one who can make you feel like an authentic harvest insider.

One of Fraser’s top winery picks is Preston of Dry Creek, because vintner Lou Preston is both charming and pioneering, a man who will make sure you meet his cats before you tour his vines.

“Lou grows vegetables,” Fraser said. “He makes bread. … He relies on solar power and he has a lot of pride in his vineyards and his sustainable approach to farming.” (Preston of Dry Creek is at 9282 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 433-3372.)

Benziger Family Winery is another Fraser favorite because there, people can actually roam through the vines.

“They’ll give people a hay-bale ride through the vineyards. … The students love it,” Fraser said. (Benziger is at 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 888-490-2739.)