pick crush plunge: immersive harvest experience in the granite belt

Stanthorpe — Saturday 13 February 2027

Get grape stained and gloriously involved!

Step into vintage 2027 with winemaker Peter McGlashan, who has spent over 21 years crafting ridgemill estate’s finest wines.

This hands on experience lets you pick grapes, stomp through the crush, plunge an active red wine ferment and deepen your understanding and appreciation for the science behind turning grapes into wine, all while learning from a true winemaking expert.

This small group experience keeps you close to the action, asking questions, getting involved and seeing what winemakers really do.

The experience concludes with a beautiful three course ‘Under the Tuscan Sky’ twilight dinner thoughtfully paired with ridgemill estate wines and hosted by estate owners Martin & Michelle alongside winemaker Peter.

As a lasting memento and perfect reminder of your day in the vineyard, you’ll also receive a bottle of the vintage you helped bring to life (once it’s released).

Pick

Rise and shine

You will begin your day in the vines with the team picking grapes, soaking up the buzz of harvest, learning how timing, ripeness and careful picking shapes wine, even before it reaches the winery.


RIDGEMILL ESTATE Pick Crush Plunge Experience

Crush

This is the fun part

Once the grapes are picked, it’s time to squish, splash and stomp your way through a grape crush. This gets the juice flowing on its journey towards becoming wine.


RIDGEMILL ESTATE Pick Crush Plunge Experience

Plunge

Hands on, physical and surprisingly satisfying

Have a go at plunging an active red wine ferment, to keep the cap wet and the ferment healthy. You’ll discover muscles you didn’t know you had!


Winery Science

Spend an immersive session with Peter, our winemaker

Gain insight insight into fermentation, pressing and the science behind the decisions that shape the final wine in your glass.


RIDGEMILL ESTATE Winery Science

Inclusions & Cost

  • Grape picking, foot stomp crush and red wine ferment plunging experience.
  • Time spent learning viticulture science alongside our winemaker Peter McGlashan.
  • Morning tea.
  • Complimentary wine tasting at ridgemill estate at the end of the hard work.
  • 10% off ridgemill estate cellar door wine purchases.
  • A three course twilight dinner themed ‘Under the Tuscan Sky’, perfectly paired with ridgemill estate wines and hosted by owners Martin Cooper and Michelle Feenan, alongside winemaker Peter McGlashan.
  • A bottle of the vintage you helped bring to life (once it’s released).

Join the Team for this Incredible Harvest Experience

Saturday 13 February 2027

Pick Crush Plunge Experience: 8:00 AM — 12:30 PM (estimated)
Free Time: 12:30 PM—5:30 PM
Twilight Dinner ‘Under the Tuscan Sky’ + Matched Wines: 5:30 PM — 9:30 PM

  • Top Dog members: $189 per person
  • Standard: $210 per person

Book a Stay and Wake to Vineyard Views

Wake to vineyard views and spend the day immersed in the winery and vineyard. Relax between experiences, explore the estate at your own pace, then make your way to the Pick, Crush & Plunge twilight dinner. Afterwards, simply wander back to your cabin—no designated driver needed, you’re already home.

FAQ

  • Age Requirement: 18+

  • Sorry: No Pets

  • What to Bring: Comfortable clothes for grape picking, vineyard work and the grape stomp (note grape juice stain is probable!) plus sturdy closed in footwear for walking outdoors and inside the winery. A hat, sunscreen, water + wet weather gear in case of rain.  All winemaking equipment is provided.

  • Parking: On site parking available.

  • Accessibility: ridgemill estate welcomes all guests but due to the nature of this experience, we strongly recommend you call ahead to discuss your specific requirements: (07) 46 835211.

  • Weather: Welcome to the life of winemaking—all experiences go ahead rain or shine!

  • How to Book: Reserve your place by clicking the booking links. Spaces are limited.
  • Cancellation Policy: We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, we are happy to offer a full refund for Pick Crush Plunge cancellations made up to 48 hours prior 21 March 2026. To request a cancellation, please email us at [email protected] (excludes accommodation bookings).

Got a Question: We’re here to help. PH: (07) 46 835 211

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