Fall is the time of year that wine grapes are harvested in vineyards around the country and all over the Northern Hemisphere. From September through early November, wine producers are pulling grapes off vines and crushing them to extract the juice which will then ferment.

Generally this is one of the best times to visit a vineyard north of the equator. Not only do visitors get the opportunity to experience harvest but at this time of year, the foliage and scenery is quite beautiful in many of the wine locations.

At these vineyards, great care is taken to produce the most ideal wines for the season. Depending on what type of wine is being processed, different types of grapes and even different parts of the grapes must be used during crush and fermentation. White wines are generally made with white grapes or possibly red grapes without the grape's skin. Red wines use red grapes and a Rose is made from juice extracted from red grapes only staying in contact with the grape skin long enough to pick up a hint of color.

The traditional way to crush grapes in the winemaking process is to stomp on them with bare feet. Over the years, this practice has been replaced with mechanical machines to save themselves the trouble. Although the machines are far more efficient and even have the ability to destem grapes during production to save workers an extra step, grape stomping remains the more iconic of the two methods after having been featured in a very classic episode of "I Love Lucy". Some smaller vineyards have even chosen to continue the practice.

Some vineyards that still maintain the tradition do it more for the tourists who visit during harvest. Wine enthusiasts wanting a chance to really become a part of the harvest process can hop in a wooden barrel and dig their toes into some grapes. Wölffer Estate in the Hamptons offers this opportunity to visitors at certain times of the year and Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford, California invites guests to help them crush grapes all through the harvest (September - October). Several other vineyards offer this activity; vineyards are now located in many parts of the country too.

Vineyards have flourished in many parts of the country where, in the past, they had struggled. Thomas Jefferson's vine prospects in Virginia ended during the Revolutionary War but in the 1980's the vineyards were resurrected and have turned into the successful Jefferson Vineyards. Oregon also hosts about 393 vineyards that have extended the Northwest's wine country and grown into a popular travel destination. The state is a leader in environmentally friendly programs and is even working on the sustainable winemaking initiatives.

One Oregon vineyard has even become the recipient of some interesting attention. Nehalem Bay Winery in Nehalem, Oregon has been rumored to be haunted. Former employees claim to have had experiences and the area has even been investigated by paranormal specialists. And on the other side of the country, the Winery at Marjim Manor is also filled with spirits of a different kind. In fact, the winery will be the subject of an upcoming episode of "Ghost Hunters" on the Sci Fi channel. Ladera Vineyards in Angwin, California are even conducting ghost tours on October 28 for guests to experience their own paranormal events.

When harvest ends north of the equator, it's almost time for harvest down under. Vineyards in Australia, New Zealand and South America produce some delicious wines during their harvest which begins in February. Most of these vineyards are found in Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and even South Africa. Yellow Tail Winery produces some of the most popular Southern Hemisphere wines among many others.