A couple of months ago my friend Beth’s wine class organized a field trip to Gainey and Firestone Wineries in Santa Ynez Valley. Surprisingly, I didn’t like The Bachelor’s winery so much but loved the Gainey wines. After buying many bottles, we found out that Gainey throws a crush party every year to celebrate the harvest and there you can actually stomp on grapes a la I Love Lucy! I’ve always wanted to do that!

In addition to stomping around in a tub, this year’s crush party promises a “classic Santa Ynez-style chicken and tri-tip BBQ,” live music and dancing, barrel tastings, cooking demonstrations, grape picking and, of course, the requisite hayride — the ultimate good time for wine lovers.

Advanced reservations are required. Call (888) 424-6398 for your tickets ($75 each). Spaces are still available but this event usually sells out two weeks prior, so get your tickets at least before the end of August. 

EVENT: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 from 11am-4pm 

Gainey Vineyard
3950 East Highway 246
Santa Ynez, California 93460
(805) 688-0558