pick crush plunge: winery harvest experience in the granite belt

Stanthorpe — Saturday 21 March 2026

Get grape stained and gloriously involved!

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.

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 Amphora Pick Crush Plunge

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 Pick Crush Plunge

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.
  • Three course twilight dinner ‘Under the Tuscan Sky’, complete with paired ridgemill estate wines.
  • Dinner with the owners Martin Cooper & Michelle Feenan plus our winemaker Peter McGlashan.
  • Complimentary bottle of the Pick Crush Plunge wine (once released).

Join the Team for this Incredible Harvest Experience

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

  • Early Bird: $180 per person (ends 1 March)
  • Top Dog members: $189 per person (after Early Bird)
  • Standard: $210 per person (after Early Bird)

Weekend Upgrades

Like to experience wine country for longer than a day?

Vertical Tasting [Saperavi] 

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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Book a Stay and Wake to Vineyard Views

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!

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).