pick crush plunge: winery harvest experience in the granite belt
Stanthorpe — Saturday 21 March 2026
Step into vintage 2026 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.
Limited to just 30 guests, 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 twilight dinner hosted by estate owners Martin & Michelle.
Set to the theme ‘Under the Tuscan Sky’ and overlooking the estate, the table is laid with seasonal local produce, thoughtfully paired with ridgemill estate wines. It’s an intimate and memorable way to reflect on the day’s achievements and raise a glass to the vintage you’ve helped bring to life.
As a lasting memento and perfect reminder of your day in the vineyard, you’ll also receive a bottle of the Pick Crush Plunge wine once it’s released.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Saturday 21 March 2026
Pick Crush Plunge Experience: 7:00 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
Like to experience wine country for longer than a day?
Friday 20 March, 6:30pm. Charcuterie included | COST: $50 p/p | Top Dog members $40 p/p
*note* Top Dog members, a promo code to unlock your discounted member price has been sent to you (via email)
Join us for a focussed tasting across four vintages (2021–2024) with a barrel preview of 2025, hosted by winemaker Peter McGlashan. A chance to explore how this Georgian variety evolves with time, season and approach.
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Begin your getaway with Friday night’s Vertical Tasting.
Saturday wake close to the action and spend the day in the vineyard and winery. Enjoy free time relaxing and take in the estate at your own pace. Make your way to the Pick Crush Plunge twilight dinner, then simply wander back to your cabin. No designated driver needed — you’re already home!
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!