Harvest Carmel fills the TomatoFest void with a field of farm-fresh flavor.

Harvest rituals have been part of every culture since ancient times. Taking a moment to give thanks for a season’s bounty and to please the gods might encourage them to bring the right balance of sun and rain next time around. Plus, harvest rituals are fun.

The area’s newest food and wine party, Harvest Carmel, floats an idea that hasn’t been effectively exploited: Meet the farmer. It’s one of the key notions of this sort of live infotainment production that takes place Sept. 26 and 27 at Quail Lodge’s aptly named Farm Field.

There are numerous events around town where consumers can connect with chefs and winemakers; Harvest Carmel provides all that in addition to a chance to backtrack food to its source.

“It’s one of the first lifestyle events around agriculture,” says David Bernahl who, along with partner Robert Weakley, is rapidly becoming the Bill Graham of Monterey County food and wine events. Their Coastal Luxury Management company produces Pebble Beach Food & Wine and related high-style projects.

“We hope to bridge the gap between the farmer, the chef and the public in a way that’s educational and entertaining,” Bernahl says. The 2008 swan song of Gary Ibsen’s TomatoFest left an opening for a celebration in September, historically a great time for locals to come together after the summer season has quieted and the skies are typically sunny.

After spring’s early heat brought a premature crop of berries, the breaking news on this summer’s harvest is that all crops are running late. If festival chefs tend to feature love apples, it may not just be TomatoFest nostalgia. The primary crop coming into peak ripeness just as Harvest Carmel arrives is none other than the heirloom tomato.

At the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains lies a pleasant expanse of grass where Harvest will be held. DJs will maintain a party vibe, more than 50 chefs will provide tastes of their best work and 100-plus winemakers will keep the crowd relaxed. A profusion of happenings throughout the grounds guarantee that even the most restless patrons will not be bored.

A farmers market, cooking demos and food-oriented seminars represent the practical-pleasure angle. Cynthia Sandberg of Love Apple Farm in Ben Lomond offers backyard gardening tips; a range of experts like Memphis barbecue pro Rob Baker of Me and the Hound share barbecue insights; and yet-to-be-announced experts lead presentations on artisanal cheeses and wine.

While our local chefs are celebrities to those of us who revere their work, and Harvest Carmel is intended to be a showcase for local producers, some out-of-county guests will bring their like-minded sensibilities to the table. A few high-profile chefs will be on hand to conduct demos and seminars, including globetrotting chef and cookbook author Tyler Florence, a Food Network star and owner of his eponymous cooking shop in Mill Valley; and Ilan Hall, owner of The Gorbals in L.A. and winner of Top Chef’s second season.

As of press time, Harvest Carmel was still under construction, adding esteemed guests, live music and cool edification. Check http://www.harvestcarmel.com for updates and specifics. Parents, take note that kids 12 and under are admitted free. There will be a kids kitchen with pizza-making and other activities to keep the young ones occupied.

None of this fabulousness comes cheap, but the value is high. If you haven’t been to one of these events, a meal made of 50 or so tastes and sips of show-quality nibbles and wine is worth the $85 price of admission. Add in the learning, the entertainment and beautful setting…it’s something to experience. VIP tickets for $175 offer perks such as one-hour-early entry, Bloody Mary tasting, reception with Tyler Florence, wine lounge, and special seating at scheduled events. A two-day pass costs $150, or $300 for VIP.

It’s nice to see that green practices are becoming too standard to bother mentioning in promotions. Gary Obligacion, VP of Operations for CLM, said Harvest Carmel is working with Kristin Cushman of Pacific Grove-based The Offset Project toward a goal of zero waste. All part of CLM’s mission, whether in the office or at the events, he said.

Proceeds will be contributed to three organizations devoted to educating youth about culinary arts, food production and sustainability: Carmel Middle School’s Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat, Rancho Cielo Youth Campus in Salinas and American Institute of Food & Wine’s “Days of Taste” program.

Bernahl waxed poetic about one of the event’s sponsors, Earthbound Farms, when he said, “They were the first organic farm to create a widely recognized brand that demonstrates the importance of representing a way of doing things.”  Many farmers have a vision about how to produce food that honors the land, respects flavor, values nutrition, increases biodiversity and even enhances beauty. Those who take their work to a level of artistry are the sort celebrated by Harvest Carmel.

What better way to pay tribute to farmers and please the gods than simply to enjoy the end result?

HARVEST CARMEL happens Sept. 26-27 at Quail Lodge’s Farm Field, 8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel. $85/day; $150/two days; $175 and $300/VIP. 622-7770, http://www.harvestcarmel.com