It's that time of year, when we say goodbye to summer and welcome the fall and winter seasons. And this year in California's Heartland, fall not only brings us picturesque settings, but also a host of fantastic festivals.

2004-2005 Fall & Winter Festivals:

Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival, November 6 & 7
www.lodichamber.com/cranefestival.asp

-Sonoma County Wine & Food Affair, November 6 & 7
www.wineroad.com/events/winefoodaffair.asp

11th Annual Taste of Winter Harvest, Apple Hill, November 14
www.applehill.com/site/calendar.html

Temecula Harvest Wine Celebration, November 20 & 21
www.temeculawines.org/events.asp

Oakdale Cowboy Christmas, November
Call: (209) 847-2244

4th Annual Sonoma Valley Olive Festival, December 4 - February 27, 2005
www.sonomavalley.com/2000/olivefestmain.html

13th Annual Indio International Tamale Festival, December 4 - 5
www.tamalefestival.org

6th Annual Mendocino Crab & Wine Days,
January 21 - 30, 2005
www.gomendo.com/events/crab

Masters of Food & Wine, Carmel, February 17 - 20, 2005
www.mfandw.com

12th Annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival,
January 29 - April 9, 2005
www.mustardfestival.org