If you want to be a “winemaker” at a winery this year, it’s probably a good idea to contact the winery of your choice as grapes are being harvested now. Wine lovers who want to learn more about how wine is made and want to have a sense of ownership in winemaking can do so at several wineries around the country. On the East Coast several wineries offer winemaking opportunities at their facilities.

In Maryland, Tin Lizzie Wineworks in Clarksville offers winemaking options that include.

• Quarter Barrel
• Half Barrel
• Full Barrel

Participants can choose the grape variety and from three different winemaking packages.

• Premium Winemaking Package
• Super Premium Winemaking Package
• Ultra Premium Winemaking Package

Vint Hill Craft Winery, Virginia

In Vint Hill, Virginia, Vint Hill Craft Winery offers several possibilities for winemaking.

• 2014 Full Barrel (Vintner Program)
• 2014 Half Barrel (Associate Vintner)
• 2014 6 Cases (Vintner Petit)

Vint Hill also offers an unusual Barrel Owner Program. According to their website, “$1000.00 buys a barrel that we ‘borrow’ for 4 years. 1 case of wine is included each year that we are borrowing the barrel. Free tastings for the barrel owner and 1 guest are included for the 4 years. Custom designed plaque for the barrel.”

Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, New Jersey, offers a “complete package” that includes: approximately 275 bottles of wine

• Winemaking equipment usage
• American oak barrel rental
• Winemaking additives
• All bottles, corks and capsules
• Stock labels
• One year Winemaker’s Club membership

For an additional price, participants can choose to help with the harvest at Beneduce Vineyards, an in-depth vineyard tour and a picnic lunch.

Home winemakers will like what Fulkerson Winery has to offer. Fulkerson is a winery in Dundee, New York located along Seneca Lake. The winery offers another option for winemaking. In addition to being a winery, Fulkerson sells grape juices during September and October. Those who are purchasing red varieties have the option of obtaining the grape skins. The winery also sells crushed whole fruit destemmed directly into your container.

Visit the winery website and give them a call if you want an experience to remember. We have visited all four of these wineries and written articles with photos about each one. Check the articles out.

Beneduce Vineyards: http://winetrailtraveler.com/newjersey/beneduce.php
Fulkerson Winery article: http://winetrailtraveler.com/newyork/fulkerson.php
Tin Lizzie Wineworks: http://winetrailtraveler.com/maryland/tinlizzie.php
Vint Hill Craft Winery article: http://winetrailtraveler.com/virginia/vinthill.php

Cheers, Kathy