Day 2
The next morning, the campers were up with the sun for an a.m. of grape-picking in Carneros with Steve Sangiacomo of Sangiacomo Vineyards. That’s right: Campers actually got to pick—and nibble on—pinot noir grapes fresh from the vine. Equipped with heavy-duty gloves and clippers, campers filled their tubs to the brim with grapes. Next up, it was time for sampling out-of-this-world sparkling wine selections from Gloria Ferrer Winery before getting an in-depth tour and lunch at St. Francis Winery.
Lunch was followed by a pizza-making and wine-pairing competition at Relish Culinary Adventures. Dozens upon dozens of fresh produce items, meats, yummy cheeses and a selection of sauces were at the campers’ disposal. After a short break at Vintners Inn, it was off to an under-the-stars supper prepared by chefs Josh Silvers of Santa Rosa’s Syrah restaurant and Jeff Mall of Healdsburg’s Zin restaurant. The setting was as jaw-dropping as the cuisine: Guests dined at Tom Klein’s, owner of Rodney Strong Wine Estates, personal residence, his backyard opening up to a vineyard.
Day 3
The final day at Grape Camp called for another morning of grape-picking. This time, the troops harvested malbec grapes. Next on the agenda, campers got to sort and crush grapes at Mauritson Winery in Dry Creek Valley, as well as sample the mouth-watering grape juice—it tasted similar to that of an apple—before it officially transforms into chardonnay. A tour and a homemade lunch prepared by the magnificent Marimar Torres of Marimar Estate in Green Valley followed. The day ended with a wine-blending session at Stonestreet Winery followed by the greatly anticipated Sonoma County Grape Camp graduation. Not only did campers get to brag to their buds about dining with Charlie Palmer and harvesting their own grapes, but they got a certificate, to boot.
Words of Advice
If you’re thinking about spending three days in pinot paradise, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
* Don’t forget sunscreen and bug repellent. Between grape-picking and alfresco meals, you’ll be outdoors quite a bit.
* Comfy shoes are a must. There is the potential for a lot of hilly walking at a few of the winery visits.
* Snacks are included in the Grape Camp welcome pack. Be sure to keep them on you, as the time between breakfast and lunch can feel a bit long.
* Bring along an extra suitcase; it’s nearly impossible not to visit Sonoma without purchasing some grape “juice.”
To Learn More:
Sonoma County Grape Camp tickets are $1,750 per person per couple (single supplement is $150). Ticket prices include hotel stay for two nights at the Vintners Inn, meals, tastings and transportation during camp. www.sonomagrapecamp.com.
