First Crush Winemaking Experience Grapes

News & Events

REGISTRATION DEADLINES

Syrah Cluster
September 4, 2009

Cabernet Sauvignon Cluster
September 18, 2009

Zinfandel Cluster
September 25, 2009

Reservations may still be available after these dates; however, the package prices including accommodations are not guaranteed.  After these cut-off dates, please call (805) 434-2772 to get pricing information. Please review our terms page for our payment and cancellation policies.

Harvesting, destemming and enjoying the fruits of their labor.

make wine (register)

In 2009, First Crush will offer three weekend winemaking experiences called Clusters. The dates and varietals for each Cluster has been selected by historical varietal ripening dates. Paso Robles offers unique growing conditions with micro-climates that provide varying ripening times and harvest dates. The vineyards used will be carefully chosen closer to harvest based upon seasonal ripening information.

Each Cluster lends itself to a unique style of winemaking. The winemaking programs have been developed by winemaker Dan Kleck and the wines will be carefully mastered under his direction.

Syrah October 9-11, 2009
Cabernet Sauvignon October 23-25, 2009
Zinfandel October 31-November 1, 2009

Businesses, wineries, groups or teams may schedule a private First Crush winemaking experience. Please call (805) 434-2772 OR (877) 82-CRUSH for information.

Each First Crush winemaking package includes:

  • Two nights luxury hotel accommodations at the Paso Robles Inn or La Bellasera Hotel & Suites*
  • Local transportation -- to and from vineyards and winemaker dinners
  • Welcome reception
  • Continental champagne breakfast and lunch in the vineyard
  • Barefoot barrel wine grape stomp
  • Winemaker dinner featuring a premiere Paso Robles winery (see weekend information for details)
  • Two cases of custom-labeled wine (and all costs associated with the production of wine including fruit, harvest and winemaking processing fees, bottling, labeling and corking).
  • Complimentary enrollment to First Crush winemaker Dan Kleck’s Silver Stone wine club and the first three-bottle club shipment
  • Opportunities to attend wine evaluation sessions and other educational events

*Packages are available without accommodations.

Registration Details & Information

To register for First Crush, choose your weekend winemaking experience by varietal or date. Next, select the hotel package that you desire. If you do not have a date preference and cannot decide which type of wine you’d like to make, please see the winemaking descriptions online for each of the varietal winemaking programs or call for details. If you need to choose by date, rest assured that each winemaking weekend will be as spectacular as the next.

Except for the individual packages and The Drifter, pricing for all packages are based on double-occupancy for the same date and location.

HOTEL INFORMATION

The Paso Robles Inn
Step back in time and enjoy the conveniences of downtown at the historic Paso Robles Inn. Walking distance to wine and olive tasting rooms, bars, restaurants and boutiques, the inn houses the history of Paso Robles’ hot mineral springs. Delight in the culinary masterpieces of new chef Kelly Wangard in the famed Paso Robles Steakhouse -- which is no longer “just a steakhouse.” Stroll through lush gardens with live Koi ponds, running streams and majestic oaks, and enjoy room service, in-room spa services, heated outdoor pool and spa, full-service bar and 1940’s-style diner. All rooms are non-smoking and include a microwave, compact refrigerator, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker with Seattle’s Best Coffee, Bath and Body Works toiletries and pay-per-view movies. A true Paso Robles wine country experience awaits you at the Paso Robles Inn.

La Bellasera Hotel & Suites
Paso Robles’ newest luxury hotel is an opulent, boutique hotel offering the perfect symmetry of comfort and elegance. Its focus is total quality in customer service, set in the tranquility of a full-service hotel. Influenced by a blend of Mediterranean and Italian architecture, La Bellasera captures and reflects the Central Coast area’s relaxed heritage and beauty. Hotel features include the sophisticated Enoteca Restaurant and Bar, swimming pool, whirlpool and fireside cabana, full service spa, fully-equipped fitness center and concierge services. All rooms are luxuriously appointed with premium linens, plasma HD flat screen televisions, mini-bars, thin client computer including high speed internet & email, docking station for iPod/Mp3, deluxe bath, wet bar with refrigerator, fully-stocked mini-bar, safe, desk with chair, arm chair, and occasional table.

CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE:

Sommelier


Paso Robles Inn Queen Garden roomThe Paso Robles Inn Queen Garden Fireplace

Enjoy a quaint, garden room with a Queen-sized bed and cozy fireplace located in the gardens, overlooking the pool. HOTEL INFORMATION

  • Cabernet Sauvignon - October 23-25, 2009
  • Zinfandel - October 31-November 1, 2009

Paso Robles Inn traditional kingThe Paso Robles Inn Traditional King

Re-live history in a traditional room featuring a King bed with double vanity bathroom and wet bar overlooking the Inn’s gardens or City Park. HOTEL INFORMATION

  • Zinfandel - October 31-November 1, 2009

Cellar Master


La Bellasera king suiteLa Bellasera King Suite

Stretch out in a capacious two-Room suite featuring one king bedroom and separate living area with full-size sofa sleeper. (498 sq. feet.) HOTEL INFORMATION

  • Syrah - October 9-11, 2009
  • Cabernet Sauvignon - October 23-25, 2009
  • Zinfandel - October 31-November 1, 2009

Winemaker


La Bellasera King Room with Fireplace

Relax by the fireplace in a spacious (430 sq. ft.) room featuring a King-sized bed and full size sofa sleeper. HOTEL INFORMATION

  • Syrah - October 9-11, 2009
  • Cabernet Sauvignon - October 23-25, 2009
  • Zinfandel - October 31-November 1, 2009

La Bellasera king room with whirlpoolLa Bellasera King Room with Whirlpool

Unwind in an oversized (430 sq. ft.) King room with luxurious indoor whirlpool tub and walk-in shower.
HOTEL INFORMATION

  • Syrah - October 9-11, 2009
  • Cabernet Sauvignon - October 23-25, 2009
  • Zinfandel - October 31-November 1, 2009

Vintner


Paso Robles Inn deluxe spa roomThe Paso Robles Inn Deluxe Spa Room

Live it up in a deluxe spa room featuring a King bed, cozy fireplace, double vanity bathroom, and private hot springs mineral spa tub located either on the balcony or in the bath. HOTEL INFORMATION

  • Syrah - October 9-11, 2009
  • Cabernet Sauvignon - October 23-25, 2009
  • Zinfandel - October 31-November 1, 2009

Master Vintner


Paso Robles Inn two room suiteThe Paso Robles Inn Two-Room Suite with Private Balcony & Spa

Enjoy all the luxuries of home in a comfortable two-room suite in the new Jesse James Building featuring one bedroom with a King bed or two Queen beds, comfortable living room with Queen size pull-out sofa, double vanity bathroom and outdoor private hot springs mineral spa tub located on the balcony. HOTEL INFORMATION

  • Syrah - October 9-11, 2009
  • Cabernet Sauvignon - October 23-25, 2009
  • Zinfandel - October 31-November 1, 2009

The Drifter


Winemaking Package without Accommodations

Live in town or have your own vacation spot? You can still make wine with First Crush. Though we highly recommend you take advantage of the wonderful accommodations provided in each package so that you get the complete “experience,” this package is offered without accommodations. The Drifter includes everything in the regular weekend winemaking package except lodging. You will also be responsible for arriving at one of the pick-up locations to catch the transportation to and from the vineyards and events.

  • Syrah - October 9-11, 2009
  • Cabernet Sauvignon - October 23-25, 2009
  • Zinfandel - October 31-November 1, 2009

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Paso Robles Inn
Paso Robles Inn

La Bellasera facade
La Bellasera

Syrah cluster information Cabernet cluster information Register for a winemaking weekend Zinfandel cluster information