More Information about the “Pick”
Do’s and Don’ts
These are “YOU-PICK” grapes for the most part*. No machine harvested grapes, no pre-picked grapes. You pick only the grapes you want directly off the vines.
*In the past we have had a small amount of “pre-picked grapes” and “must” for sale. Watch my emails to see if pre-picked grapes and must will be available in 2024.
There is no minimum amount of grapes that you must buy and no pre-committment to purchase grapes.
The best way you know that you are getting good grapes is to see them on the vine and taste them before you pick and purchase.
When do we pick?: Usually on Saturday and/or Sunday, in the early morning, please don’t be late. Picks start at the meeting place usually at 6:30am or 7:00am. We are usually done by 9:00 to 10:00am.
My emails announcing the “picks” will indicate the date, day, time and place to meet. You do not need to reserve a space. Just show up on time for the pick.
It helps if you send me a short email in advance telling me you’ll be at a pick. Tell me what varietal(s) and how many pounds you want.
All these vineyards have easy access. You will be able to drive your car/truck near the grapes.
Some pick dates are week days. If you can only make it on a weekday send me an email and let me know what dates and I’ll see if I can set up a pick for you (minimum of 500#).
There will be more than one pick date. Harvest will take place over 10 to 12 weeks depending on the weather and how fast each vineyard ripens and is ready to pick.
As a general rule, we do more than 20 picks each year.
There will be a crusher/destemmer available for your use for a small fee. You can crush and destem your grapes and take the “must” home in your fermenter.
Please Do…
Update: Bring buckets for picking (food grade is best). Please use the same size buckets. Either 5 or 6 gallon buckets is okay.
Tractor Supply Company (TSC) sells 5 gallon food grade plastic buckets for $3.00 each.
All picked grapes will be weighed and you will know exactly the weight of the grapes you picked.
I now have a portable scale which can weigh up to 600 lbs of grapes at a time.
Blue bucket 5 gallon, White bucket 6 gallon.
Bring fermenters/trash cans/(whatever) to dump your buckets full of grapes into for the trip to the cursher/destemmer (not far away) or to haul your grapes home.
32 gallon fermenter
Don’t expect us to furnish anything that you need or forgot to bring. If you didn’t bring it with you, it ain’t there.
Bring your buckets, fermenter, trash cans, gloves, cutter, hat, boots, food, water, S02, dry ice, (wine?) whatever you need to pick and haul the grapes, or must, back home with you.
There are no facilities at most vineyard sites at all. Bring everything you need.
Bring money, CASH ONLY, smaller bills. No Checks, Credit Cards or funny money.
It’s okay to bring 5 or 6 gallon buckets or other size containers for picking. And a larger container to place your picked grapes into (fermentor or trash can).
Please Do Not…
Do not bring kids, the dog, grandma (unless she’s a picker), picnic lunch to enjoy with the family, etc. These are working vineyards. Our job is to get in, get the grapes, and get out.
We would love for you to make a day of it in the vineyards with your family, but we are not set up for that. I suggest that after the pick you go to a local park for family recreation. Thanks for understanding.
You are NOT welcome to show up late, at the vineyard, just because you know where we are picking. My agreement with the vineyard owners is that I meet with everyone at the designated time and place for a review of the days pick before driving to the vineyard.
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Got questions or comments? Email me at
I’ll see you at the pick.
Michael
CalWineBroker
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