pick crush plunge: immersive harvest experience in the granite belt

Stanthorpe — Saturday 13 February 2027

Step into vintage 2027 with ridgemill estate’s winemaker Peter McGlashan.

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.

With numbers strictly limited, this intimate experience keeps you close to the action, asking questions, getting involved and seeing what winemakers really do.

The day concludes with a beautiful three course ‘Under the Tuscan Sky’ twilight dinner, paired with ridgemill estate wines and hosted by estate owners Martin and Michelle alongside 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).

Inclusions

  • 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).

Tickets:

  • Top Dog Wine Club Members: $189 per person (ongoing member price)
  • Early Bird: $189 per person (until 31 January 2027)
  • Standard: $210 per person (from 1 February 2027)

GRAB YOUR [EARLY BIRD] TICKET HERE
TOP DOG [WINE CLUB MEMBERS] BOOK HERE

Carol Varley
Pick Crush Plunge —Vintage 2026

“What an awesome, fun experience picking stomping and plunging grapes and lots more tasty wines and incredible food! Thank you team ridgemill for a bucket list experience.”

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!


RIDGEMILL ESTATE Pick Crush Plunge Experience

Winery Science

Spend an immersive session with Peter, our winemaker

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


RIDGEMILL ESTATE Winery Science

Extend your vintage experience with a luxurious 4.5 star studio cabin stay overlooking the vines.

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!

All our tariffs include a bottle of ridgemill estate wine on arrival and a continental breakfast hamper to enjoy for the duration of your stay.

EXPLORE OUR [ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS] HERE

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!

  • What if I need to cancel: 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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