Have you ever wondered what goes into winemaking? Have you ever wondered how those grapes go from bud break to growing season to harvest to barrel to bottle and finally to table? Have you ever wondered what actually happens out in the vines?
Well wonder no more. Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead is holding an extensive 5 course viticulture and wine making seminar. This is no weekend jaunt, or a simple barrel tasting. You will be doing the work of the vineyard manager and the wine maker and finally enjoying the the taste of the product you have just help grow and make into wine. This is for the wine enthusiast looking for instruction and experience in growing wine. The focus of the “Vines to Wine” will be on Merlot.
The program kicks off on Saturday April 24th with a classroom style discussion about “Pruning and Tying”. Following the lecture the students will be participating with a hands on program of pruning and shoot tying where you will be given a set of pruners and prune some vines.
The program will conclude in February 2011 with a wine dinner hosted by winemaker Juan Micieli-Martinez where you will taste from the barrel the Merlot that you helped make.
Finally, after bottling, each participant will receive 3 cases of the Merlot wine you helped grow.
The cost of the “Vine to Wine” classes is $1,200.00. If you are a wine club member, the cost is $900.00.
If you are interested in the program, please visit the “Vine to Wine” website or call Martha Clara at 631-298-0075 extension 101.
Undertaking Wine 
Hi Michael, Thank you for highlighting my course in your blog. As the viticulturist at Martha Clara, I am excited to have created this hands- on program. Why don’t you put on a pair of work gloves and come join us? Sincerely, Jim Thompson, Vineyard Manager at Matha Clara.
Hello Jim,
Thanks for commenting. This does sound like a great program. And if all goes well, you may see me on the 24th!
Hi Michael, Our first class was a resounding success. We were supposed to end at 1pm, but my students were so enthusiastic about working in the vineyard that we didn’t end until 2:00. We have room for a few more students, so we have decided to prorate the remaining classes. The next class is June 26th. Feel free to join us. Jim
Jim,
Glad to know things went well. So sorry I could not make it. I am going to try for the next one in June. Not sure of my schedule, but if I am off, I will be there. I will let you know for sure.
I will mention it again once we get closer to the date.