Here's how it works:

In this one-of-a-kind program, you will learn from the experts by working directly with winery owner, Tom Challen.  Tom has almost 40 years of experience in the wine industry, is an International Wine Judge and an all round nice guy.  He is a great resource to answer any grape & wine questions you may have!

•         With a personalized name plate, your vines will be easily identifiable – see them change over the course
          of a growing year.  Visit your vines anytime!
•         Enjoy the excitement of growing your own wine
•         Cultivate the art and science of nurturing your vines into a successful harvest
•         Learn how to prune, tie, sucker and train your vines through the growing season

In addition to learning how to care for your vines you will:

•         Receive an informative binder with notes & diagrams that correspond to each session
•         Grow your own potted vine to take home and nurture into maturity
•         Evaluate previous vintages during a barrel tasting workshop
•         Create your own wine during a blending session

SATURDAY MORNING WORKSHOPS
(sessions start at 10:00AM at the winery (barrel tasting @ 11:00am)

A homemade picnic lunch with wine tasting will be provided at the end of each session. All dates are subject to vine growth – dates may be changed due to this years growth cycle

March 27th
Evaluate bud mortality, develop pruning regime, make vine cuttings, prune vines.
(Bring a calculator and pruning shears if you can.)
April 17th  
Tie vines and attend wine blending workshop (bring a calculator)
May 15th   
Barrel tasting at 11:00am in the cellar.  Bring a friend to share this unique experience!
June 19th   
Pot vine cuttings; sucker & train your vines; enjoy a sustenance lunch in the vineyard
Oct 2nd
Experience the harvest up close!  Try your hand at harvesting & enjoy the outdoors with us!

There are two ways you can participate in the program. You can either be a full-fledged vinter where you will come away with two cases of your wine at the end of the season. Or you can participate through a share. Share enrollment entitles you to all the classes, materials , plaque and your own vines. The only difference is that you don't come away with any wine when you're finished.

For more information or to register, contact Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery and ask for MJ or Tom. They'll answer all your questions and get you enrolled in a experience of a lifetime.

For "Vinters" traveling from out of town, we have a special "Gentleman Vintner's Experience" package available, complete with meals, gifts and your choice of accommodations. You'll find it as the Featured Package under Packages & Discounts.