Ever wonder what it would be like to pick wine grapes?
Charron Vineyards and Winery in Vail is looking for volunteers this weekend to help it pick what owner Milton Craig says will be a record merlot crop.
The 10-year-old vineyard expects to pull 8 to 10 tons of merlot grapes from the vines. Last year's yield was about 7 tons, Craig said.
Volunteers will hit the vineyards at 5:30 a.m. Saturday and, if needed, 5:30 a.m. Sunday. They will pick until noon or 1 p.m. and will be rewarded for their efforts with free lunch and a glass of wine in the tasting room, located in the center of the vineyard.
Last year, more than 100 volunteers turned out and completed the harvest in a single day. Craig suggests volunteers should call 762-8585 or check facebook.com/charron.vineyards Saturday afternoon to see if they are needed Sunday.
People are also reading…
Charron Vineyards, whose vines have been in the ground since 1995, is known for its white merlot. It also produces a traditional red merlot, syrah and a blanc de noir. Craig and his wife have owned the vineyard since 2009.
Charron is at 18585 S. Sonoita Highway (Arizona 83), six miles south of Interstate 10 in Vail. Details: charronvineyards.com
Cathalena E. Burch
