Harvest Season is here, the period of greatest action at Flint Ridge Vineyard. We attempt to pick the grapes at their peak of ripeness and process them as promptly as possible to preserve the fresh fruit flavors in our wines.  Removing thousands of pounds of fruit from our vines in a single morning is quite a feat, which we accomplish with alot of help from friends.

We welcome guests to join the harvest and experience the birth of a wine, and the first steps in it's transformation.  How many people get the chance to pour friends a wine which they played a pivotal role in bringing into being?

Because Harvest Helpers express a special dedication to Flint Ridge Vineyard through their labors, we like to open our doors more widely to this special group.  Harvest Helpers are rewarded with harvest-day lunch, an invitation to a Fall "Harvest Helpers"- only dinner, and early access to our summer Pizza Nights. We take every opportunity to expose Harvest Helpers to the evolution of the wine, providing special barrel tastings throughout the year.     

We encourage anyone who wishes to gain insight into the winemaking process, or those that simply like an excuse to spend time outdoors to join the harvest. However, have no illusions, harvesting grapes is work.  Though, it is work tempered by conversation, learning, and a tasty grape sampled here and there.

Things to keep in mind:

We begin early in the morning, around 8:00am, when the grapes are still cool from the night's chill, which helps preserve their freshness.  At this time, the the grass if full of dew, so it is wise to wear waterproof shoes, or bring an extra pair to change into.  The mornings can be cool, so a jacket or sweatshirt that can be shed as the sun brings warmth is recommended. Tight fitting gloves will keep your fingers warm and dry in the early morning, yet allow the dexterity one needs to manipulate the grape clusters.  It is smart to bring a hat to keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes.

If you are allergic to bees, harvesting may not be for you, as sometimes they seek out the sweet grape sugars, and bee stings aren't unheard of.  

We will have water on hand, and clippers to cut the grape clusters.

We harvest grapes every Saturday in September and early October.  If you would like to participate in harvest, give us a call (740 787 2116).  Just let us know what weekend works best for you, and we can answer any additional questions you might have. If you have a favorite Flint Ridge Vineyard wine, we will try to forcast the picking date so you can pick that particular variety.   

Tentative Picking schedule:

Sept 5th.  Niagara (Adena White)

Sept 10th Marechal Foch

Sept 12th. Cayuga White

Sept 19th. Steuben, Traminette

Sept 26th. Vidal

Oct.3rd.  Chambourcin