Grapes Almost Ready for Harvest 2012

Volunteering is a great activity for everyone. For wineries and wine festival volunteers, not only is it an opportunity to help but it can result in a lot of fun, great experiences and camaraderie.

We spoke to one sommelier who mentioned that whenever he travels worldwide he visits wineries to learn about the wine regions. At the wineries he offers to help wherever they need him. He learns from the experience and enjoys it too.

If you like wine, consider helping out at a winery, vineyard or festival. You will be glad you did. The experience is one you will remember for a long time and will enjoy sharing with everyone over a glass of wine. Contact a winery near you to see if they are looking for volunteers.

Below are several  volunteer opportunities for this fall.

Cygnus Wine Cellars in Maryland needs volunteers for

• October 6 and 7 Riverside Wine Festival
• October 20 and 21 Autumn Wine Festival

Contact Ray G. Brasfield at http://www.cygnuswinecellars.com to volunteer.

Detour Winery in Detour, Maryland is looking for volunteers for their Harvest Fright Festival on October 27. Fill out the volunteer online form.

In Bedford, Virginia, Peaks of Otter Winery has an online form to fill out if you would like to volunteer. The form is available at http://www.peaksofotterwinery.com/page15.html. This fall Peaks of Otter Winery is participating in the following events.

October 7: Taste of Culpeper

October 12 – 13 – 14: Shenandoah Valley Wine & Music Festival

October 13-14: 21st Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival

October 13: Louisa Wine Festival

In Texas, volunteer for the Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival scheduled for October 13 and 14. This festival needs a wide range of volunteers including wine servers.

Rogers Ford Farm Winery in Sumerduck, Virginia looks for volunteers. On their website, they have two perks listed. For each 4-hour shift you volunteer, you receive a $20 gift certificate at Rogers Ford Winery. All volunteers are invited to an end-of-year appreciation picnic. To get on their volunteer mailing list email the winery at info@rogersfordwine.com.

In Woodinville and Zillah, Washington, the Washington Wine & Beverage Company looks for volunteers from March through December. The next two events are Wreath Making on November 15 and 16 and on December 20, the Shareholder Holiday Party. For more information email volunteers@washingtonwine.com.

By volunteering at a winery or wine festival, you will meet people, learn more about wine and have a great experience. Check out wineries for these opportunities to add some spice to your life!

Cheers!
Kathy