Harvest Experiences

Harvest Tour de Vin - Sept. 23-25, 2013

The ultimate behind-the-scenes winery tour during the most spectacular time of year in the beautiful Paso Robles wine region.

Discover what makes Paso Robles Distinct and Different during this two-day, luxury winery and vineyard tour that will show you how wine is made from “berry-to-bottle.” This indulgent wine and food experience is for discerning wine lovers who want to receive the royal treatment while getting an inside look at the Paso Robles wine industry in action during the busy, harvest crush season.

This is a rare treat that will take you on exclusive tours of vineyards and wineries where you’ll meet growers and winemakers, enjoy fabulous wine country cuisine and get a “taste” of what winemaking is like.

SAMPLE ITENERARY (Subject to Change)

Day 1

A Taste of Terroir – Welcome Reception at the Pomar Junction Vineyard with grower/winemaker Dana Merril. Tour the vineyard and enjoy a berry and wine tasting

Day 2

Paso Wine 101 – Learn about the Paso Robles Wine Region with winemaker Becky Zelinski

Harvest 101 – Find out how premium wine grapes are harvested with viticulturist, Lowell Zelinski, Ph.D. at Stillwater Vineyard & Winery

Crush 101 – Learn how grapes become wine with Stillwater winemaker Paul Hoover

Cooking Demonstration & Lunch in the Vineyard – Featuring Chef Jacob Lovejoy at Cass Vineyard & Winery

Winemaking 101 – See large-scale winemaking in action at the Robert Hall Winery with winemaker Don Brady

Bottling 101 – Find out about wine bottling with winemaker Tom Lane at Bianchi Winery

STOMP – Stomp wine grape “just like Lucy” with a competitive twist. Prizes for winners

BREAK - Return to hotel to rest and relax before dinner

Winemaker Dinner – Tour the winery and dine in style with with a locally-inspired, seasonal four-course winemaker dinner at premium Paso Robles Winery - TBA

Day 3

Brunch – Enjoy a gourmet Sunday Brunch and winery tour at Croad Vineyard & Winery

Art of Blending Wine – Blend wine with winemaker Carl Bowker at Caliza Vineyard & Winery

Grape to Glass – Tour the sustainable vineyards at Oso Libre Winery

Lunch - Lunch prepared by a local chef served al fresco at Oso Libre Winery

The Perfect Ending - Learn how traditional ports are made with winemaker Jeff Steele of Roxo Port Cellars

Perfect Pairs – Explore wine and cheese pairing with Danika Bowler, owner of Vivant Fine Cheese, featuring a special selection of Paso Robles wines

Graduation - Ceremony at First Crush Wine Workshop

Crush Encounter - October 4-6, 2013

Taking a taste of the wine grapes

Crush Encounter I

An unforgettable Harvest Crush Experience that lets you Pick, Crush, Sip & Stomp while having fun and learning how wine is made! During this two-day harvest crush experience, you’ll meet growers and winemakers, and get a first-hand look at how wine grapes are harvested and crushed while taking part in the action.

Crush Encounter II

The ultimate three-day Harvest Crush Encounter that lets you experience winemaking from “berry-to-bottle” in one weekend. You get to Pick, Crush, Sip, & Stomp PLUS blend and bottle wine to take home. During this wine grape crush experience you’ll never forget, you’ll tour vineyards and wineries, meet growers and winemakers, learn how wine is made, and indulge in wine and food pairings. Treat yourself to fabulous wine country cuisine, live music and more!

SCHEDULE

Friday (included in Crush Encounters I & II)

Perfect Pairs - Explore wine and cheese pairing with Danika Bowler, owner of Vivant Fine Cheese, featuring a special selection of Paso Robles wines

A Taste of Terroir – Tour the Caliza Vineyards with grower/winemaker Carl Bowker and enjoy a berry and wine tasting

Saturday Morning (included in Crush Encounters I & II)

Paso Wine 101 – Learn about the Paso Robles Wine Region with winemaker Becky Zelinski

Harvest 101 – Harvest wine grapes with viticulturist, Lowell Zelinski, Ph.D.

Crush 101 – Sort grapes and learn how grapes become wine with Silver Horse winemaker Steve Kroener

Picnic in the Vineyard – Gourmet wine country lunch prepared by local chef overlooking the picturesque Silver Horse Vineyards

STOMP – Stomp wine grapes “just like Lucy” with a competitive twist. Prizes for winners

SIESTA – Afternoon rest and relaxation & end of experience for Crush Encounter I guests

Saturday Evening (included in Crush Encounter II ONLY)

Wine 101 - Winery Tour & Barrel Sampling with winemaker Adam Lazarre, Villa San Juliette

Dining with the Stars – Dine and dance under the stars with a locally-inspired, seasonal four-course winemaker prepared by Chef Jeff Scott at Villa San Juliette

Sunday (included in Crush Encounter II ONLY)

Champagne Sunday Brunch – Enjoy a gourmet Sunday Brunch prepared by Chef Jacob Lovejoy at Cass Vineyard & Winery

Art of Blending Wine – Blend wine with winemakers Lood Katze (Cass) and Becky Zelinski

Bottle Shock – Bottle and label your own wine with First Crush winemaking team

Graduation – Ceremony at First Crush Wine Workshop

Transportation, tasting fees and meals outlined in schedule are included in price. Lodging packages available.