In the Vines: Berry Sampling

By August, most of the farming is behind us, and now it’s all about attention, presence, and observation. In this hands-on event, you’ll join us in berry sampling the vineyard: picking berries from the wine, measuring sugar levels and exploring the vineyard in real time. But the numbers are only the beginning, you’ll learn to taste the berries, examine skins, pulp, and seeds, and learn to read the vineyard like a winemaker.

This is where science meets intuition. With guidance from our grape growers, you’ll collect fruit and test the juice on a refractometer! Whether it’s your first time in a vineyard or you’ve been here before, this intimate, hands-on experience brings to life the art of “calling a pick” and a rare opportunity to pick berries and taste the juice that will become world class wine.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM at the Elkhorn Peak Cellars Estate Vineyard: 200 Polson Rd. Napa, CA 94558

Ticket includes: immersive berry sampling experience and vineyard tour, two glasses of wine, and a personal charcuterie plate to enjoy as you work, taste, and learn. Additional wine available for purchase on site. Wine Club members enjoy unlimited pours — one of the many perks of membership! Not a member yet? Join now.

We’re happy to welcome families! Children under 12 are free. Kindly email us ahead of time at info@elkhornpeak.com if you’ll be bringing children.

Space is intentionally limited to ensure a relaxed, hands-on experience. Advance ticket purchase required.

Schedule of Events

11:00 AM – Arrival & Check-In
Grab a glass of wine, settle in, and take in the vineyard views.

11:15 AM – Introduction to Berry Sampling
Learn the science and art of measuring grape ripeness, from the grape growers and winemakers and understand what the vineyard is telling us about this year’s vintage.

11:45 AM – Hands-On Berry Sampling and Grape Juice Tasting
Step into the vines and collect berries across the vineyard. Measure sugars, examine skins, pulp, and seeds, and get a true winemaker’s perspective on ripening fruit.

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Relax in our outdoor seating area and enjoy your complimentary wines and personal charcuterie plate, surrounded by vineyard views.

1:00 PM
Departure. We’re happy to share restaurant or winery recommendations to round out your afternoon in Napa Valley.

Your attendance helps support one of Napa Valley’s small family farms and a member of the Micro-Winery Guild. Thank you for your support, and we’re excited to share our agricultural heritage with you.