tutti escapes
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Grape Camp

A wine-soaked weekend in Sonoma: mucho fun.

A wine-soaked weekend in Sonoma at Grape Camp: bragging rights.

At Grape Camp you'll get more than your money's worth: two nights at a vacation-worthy hotel; shuttles to and from vineyards; sumptuous catered meals; and free-flowing, exceptional vino pretty much everywhere you rest your not-so-weary bones.

We did the math. You win.

You'll also do some experiential learning—picking grapes in the field, raking a few of them into the crusher (long enough to pose for photos), taking your part in the crush (four or five hand-squeezes'll do ya), and ambling your way through the vine rows, breathing in the scents and sights. It's not hard labor, but it does come with sweet rewards.

Also, you'll meet wine growers and wine lovers, sample bounteous grape varietals, and bottle your own blend. Charming instruments such as refractometers, pipettes, and beakers will make cameo appearances, as will bottle after bottle of the thing you came for.

By camp's end, you'll be rosy-cheeked and filled with cheer, not to mention wine. Plus you'll have some grape-to-glass knowledge to take back home.

Start stomping .