Ready to notch up your wine experience? Whether you’re an oenophile or just a casual imbiber, volunteering at a winery can inspire a new appreciation for the art of winemaking.
Called les vendanges in French, the wine harvest season calls for an intense time of concentrated manual labor. Once the wine-maker determines grapes are nearing their peak, harvesters must pick those grapes in a matter of days.
To accomplish this massive task in such a brief period, vineyards have long depended on seasonal volunteers as part of the business model, often in exchange for food and, in the case of traditional European harvests, lodging.
Some vineyards within driving distance of Alexandria continue this tradition of temporary volunteer labor during harvest and bottling. Though volunteering at a winery may not come off as altruistic as tutoring kids or clearing rubbish from waterways, it can be a great way to meet others, connect with nature, and gain a closer perspective on one of the region’s more specialized agrarian industries. The experience (literally) walks through much of the winemaking process.
“There’s a romance to it all — from vine to bottle,” said Chelsea Sparaco of Potomac Point Winery, a vineyard that invites volunteers to participate in caring for vines, harvesting grapes, and bottling wine. Of course, she said that volunteers also gain an appreciation for how much work goes into each bottle.
After the work, wine tends to flow. Vineyards have different ways of thanking volunteers, including tastings, full bottles and credits/discounts on wine. Many wineries feed volunteers breakfast and/or lunch in the vineyard or surrounding gardens — which is just as idyllic as it sounds. And as a side perk, you may discover your new favorite wine.
ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES
Here’s what you need to know to become a vino-teer. Perhaps it’s never been said that wine tastes better with a little mud on your boots, but there is decidedly something about watching the sunrise over a vineyard — with dry feet. It’s best to consider boots or waterproof shoes.
Since fall mornings can be chilly, layers will keep you comfortable as the sun warms the air. Many vineyards provide gloves, but it can’t hurt to bring along your own.
A sun hat is always a good idea, too. Keep in mind that perfumes and scented hair products may attract insects.
Though volunteers don’t need to have muscles to haul bins overflowing with grapes, you will need to manipulate a small pair of sharp clippers. You’ll also need to be agile enough to lean down into vines and reach grapes, placing them gingerly in a bin at ground level. Many grape trellises are arranged on hills so volunteers should be ready to maneuver on uneven, slanted ground surfaces.
You won’t need to know a Merlot grape from a Reisling, but most wineries do want adult (21+) volunteers who can be available with just a week or so of notice — and are able to arrive at the vine-yard at the crack of dawn.
While traffic isn’t usually a concern that early, some extend the experience into a mini get-away, opting to reserve a B&B or hotel a few minutes from the winery for the night before.
As a general rule, even otherwise dog-friendly vine-yards tend to prefer you keep pets home on harvest days. As with all details, it’s better to call directly and ask.
WORK YOUR WINE CONNECTIONS
Many wineries tap volunteers for fall festivals and offer pay-to-play experiences such as grape stomping à la “I Love Lucy.” Therefore, it might take a little research and flexibility to find a more authentic winemaking encounter.
For starters, weather dictates when grapes peak. The harvest can’t always wait until the weekend — if you have a little mid-week spontaneity, you may have more luck.
With more than 230 Virginia wineries at last count, consider asking your favorite winery if they have any hands-on volunteer jobs, especially if you are already a wine club member or have another connection with them. Some smaller operations tend to keep it in the family without officially advertising a volunteer harvest or bottling program.
These vineyards may be more than happy to bring enthusiastic fans into the fold. To get you started, we’ve included a few Virginia wineries below.
Gadino Cellars (Washington) roots itself in the tradition of creating wine for a small market place through sustainable farming and minimal processing. Even if you’re not a friend or relative when you arrive on harvest morning, Gadino Cellar’s big Italian family will likely adopt you by mid-day. Harvest days at Gadino are intimate. A smaller group of regulars means lots of camaraderie amongst harvesters. The reward for hard work is a hearty Italian meal under a shade tent in the vineyard — often accompanied with cheese, olives, crusty bread and wine pairings. Of course, after such a morning, it only seems fitting to pass the afternoon relaxing on the tasting room deck or playing a few matches of bocce. Find out more at info@gadinocellars.com. Visit gadinocellars.com.
Gray Ghost Vineyards (Amissville) organizes possibly the longest-running volunteer winery experience in Virginia, marking their 23rd season this fall. Amy Payette of Gray Ghost Vineyards says volunteers come back year after year. A few have even been with them for 20 years. To become part of this tradition, volunteers must arrive 30-minutes before the sun comes up (travel time from Alexandria is a little over 1 hour).
The do’s and don’ts of grape harvesting are cheerfully presented over a continental breakfast. Vineyard work ends comfortably by 10 or 11, with a cookout in the garden for lunch. Annually, Gray Ghost organizes four to five volunteer harvest days, each bringing a fun, diverse group of 40-80 volunteers ranging in ages and stages — both couples, singles, friends, and families with adult kids. Volunteers go home with a t-shirt and taste lots of wine. Do keep in mind: pre-registration must be in-person at the winery. Go to grayghostvineyards.com.
Grayhaven Winery (Gum Spring) says winery volunteers are Virginia wine’s best ambassadors. They use both regular and occasional volunteers to prune, tie up, and help with the harvest. They also use volunteers to help bottle. Bottling is a decidedly fun time but, similar to harvesting, it can also be a last-minute affair. Tasks may include labeling, lending a hand on the corker, or keep-ing tabs on the Magic Cow — a winemaker’s secret to successful bottling. To add your name on the harvest volunteer list or get on the go-to Bottling Crew, email max@grayhavenwinery.com or call (804) 556-3917. At around two hours from northern Virginia, participation might be best for those up for an overnight or with flexible schedules. Go to grayhavenwinery.com.
Potomac Point Winery (Stafford) is a short drive from Alexandria — less than an hour away. They use volunteers for tucking vines, harvesting grapes and bottling (throughout the year). The winery says that volunteering gives a sneak peek into a winery’s most active time of year and is great for anyone who has ever wondered what it’s like to be a winemaker. Potomac Point enlists volunteers up to ten times annually, with about 10-20 volunteers on harvest days and half that on bottling days. Vineyard volunteers receive a $10 wine credit per hour of work and bottlers go home with a bottle from the vintage they prepped. Like most wineries, they keep in touch with volunteers by email. For more information or to get your name on the volunteer database, email reservations@potomacpointwinery.com. Visit potomacpointwinery.com.
Wenger Grape Farms (Waynesboro) offers a family-friendly fall vineyard outing in the Shenandoah Valley. Though it’s not a winery and there’s no heady reward for a job well done, the whole family can go home with a full basket of pick-your-own table grapes. This 80-year old farm grows Concords and Niagaras with harvests generally starting around Labor Day. Visit wengergrapes.com.
Correction: Chelsea Sparaco is with Potomac Point Winery. The winery was misidentified in an earlier version of this story.