The next couple of weeks are some of the best times in Texas vineyards: The grapes are ripe and they’re looking for harvest volunteers! You have to rise with the sun (or even before), but you get lunch, free wine, and priceless memories of having helped to bring in the 2013 vintage. Below, a list of local wineries with links to more info. Cheers!

Solaro Estate Winery Harvest of the estate Barbera on Saturday, August 10, followed by the Montepulciano on Saturday, August 24. Arrive at 5:45 am; includes brunch, wine, and live music.

Perissos Vineyard Harvest starts tomorrow and goes intermittently through mid-August. Sign up on the website for email updates on specific dates.

Becker Vineyards “Members only” harvest this Friday and Saturday starting at 8 am. Coffee, donuts, light lunch and t-shirt included, $40. Annual Grape Stomp August 24-25. Then come channel your inner “I Love Lucy!” at the Lucy Grape Stomp costume contest September 1.

Westcave Cellars Harvesting the petit syrah mid-next week; call for details. Then plan to join the Purple Feet Club at the annual Grape Stomp August 10, with barbecue and live music.

Flat Creek Estate Winery Harvesting the whites (Muscat canelli, pinot grigio) this Thursday through Saturday, starting at 6:15 am with their “famous breakfast tacos.” More harvests in the next two weeks; call for details. There’ll be a Harvest Dinner in September to thank the volunteers.

Texas Hills Vineyard With 25 acres to harvest, the work fun starts tomorrow, and is spread out over the next two weeks. Email “wine@texashillsvineyard.com” to get email updates on specific varietal harvest dates.

William Chris Vineyards Harvest starts Monday and could go through mid-August. Call the winery or check Facebook for specific dates.

Stone House Vineyard Harvesting the Norton in about three weeks; check site for info. Harvest includes lunch and a bottle of wine.



