In the Heart of the Wine Harvest

Paso Robles, Calif. From Oct. 19 to 21, the emerging wine region of Paso Robles, in the coastal mountain range of central California, unveils the Harvest Wine Tour. More than 90 area wineries will offer unique events ranging from cooking demonstrations and dinners to grape stomping and wine tastings.

Don't miss Tablas Creek, where you can tour the winery's grapevine nursery to learn how grape clones are propagated, the grafting process is done and taste 2006 Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre from the barrel. Justin, another must-visit winery, will host a multicourse dinner with wine pairing, a golf tournament and a seminar on fermenting wine in various types of oak. Advance reservations may be required, depending on the event; fees, locations and hours vary.

Finger Lakes, N.Y. With its modern, Greek Revival-style winery overlooking vine-dotted slopes and Seneca Lake, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars is one of the most beautiful places to taste wine in the region. On Nov. 3, the winery will host a sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres reception in its barrel room, followed by a multicourse dinner paired with wine.

Expect sliced duck breast over black pepper-and-parmesan risotto with dried cherry-and-sage demi glace with 2005 Cabernet Franc; frisee, endive and shaved Brussels sprout salad with toasted pecans and a white wine-mustard vinaigrette with 2006 Gewurztraminer, poached pear Napolean with Riesling ice wine and more. Dinner is $96.12, including tax, per person; reservations required.

Willamette Valley, Ore. Every year more than a thousand visitors come to Willamette Valley Vineyards' Oregon Grape Stomp Championship & Harvest Celebration. Around five tons of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are squished during the event (the juice and skins go to the compost, not the 2007 vintage). The object is to press the most juice in two minutes, and winners in each heat compete in a "stomp off" at the end of the day.

The top scorers from Saturday and Sunday go toe to toe for the chance to compete in the World Grape Stomp Championship in Santa Rosa, Calif., in October, on the winery's dime. There's also a barbecue, live rock music and tastings of current releases. The event takes place Sept. 22-23, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; make reservations in advance. Admission is $5.

Grapevine, Texas Over a quarter of a million visitors are expected to arrive in the town of Grapevine, sandwiched between Dallas and Fort Worth, for the annual GrapeFest (Sept. 13-16). Expect wine tastings, a grape stomp, black-tie gala dinner, a live auction, craft show, carnival and music. Beyond wines from the Lone Star State, you can taste grapes from France, Italy, Australia, Spain and Germany.

	Stomp Your Way to the Top
	Photo: TravelOregon.com

Think you've got what it takes to be a critic? Take part in the People's Choice Tasting Classic, where you can judge 130 different Texas wines from 37 wineries. For a taste of local cuisine, check out the food-and-wine pairing sessions and cooking demonstrations offered all weekend. Fees, locations and hours vary.

For the full article with more listings, as well as recommendations on where to stay and dine, check out WineSpectator.com.

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