Grape Harvest in Vail

If you would like to enjoy some wine related fun, why not head on down to the Empire Mountains southeast of Tucson this weekend? Charron Vineyards is having their annual harvest. It will run for throughout the weekend, but if you have Friday available, they will need help removing the bird netting from the vines.

The harvest starts at 6 a.m., but people are welcome to arrive at any time in the morning. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and closed toed shoes. The gnats can be pretty bad if there is no wind, so long sleeved shirts, or Off! may be a good idea. The vineyard will provide the rest.

Lunch and refreshments are provided, as well as wine. Those who make their own wine are welcome to take home the Merlot Pomace left over from the crush, just bring a container.

Charron is a small, privately held vineyard. It is one of the oldest vineyards in southern Arizona, and has produced award winning white merlot wines since 2000. The vineyard is now producing a traditional red merlot, syrah and a blanc de noir.

The harvest is a low key affair with children, local ranchers, neighbors and family making up the bulk of the harvest crew. The directions are simple: take a pair of gardening shears, a milk crate and pick a vine. People move from vine to vine, and conversations ebb and flow as people drift in and out. If you get hot, there will be a tractor bringing water, or you can go up to the house for a soda. The conversations are casual, and everyone ends up with purple fingers. Its a great way to meet other wine buffs, or people who themselves grow grapes in their backyards. The neighbors also come in and may know nothing about wine, but will always have great stories about rural living.

The owners, Milton and Susan Craig are friendly and helpful, and will happily show you how the grapes are crushed right there on the property. They can discuss their wines and the nuts and bolts of the process. They will of course, also have wines for sale.

What better way to spend a summer morning than harvesting grapes for wine? There is something elemental in harvest, a connection both personal and historical. Once you have done it you will always remember it, and if you take home a bottle of wine to share with your friends, you will have the best story to share when you pop the cork on it.

Click here or the website and directions to the vineyard.