Grape Romp - The 2006 Press Club Syrah Starts with Harvest at Orfila Vineyards on September 23

By Barbara Metz

Orfila Vineyards & Winery will welcome members of the San Diego Press Club to the vineyard in San Pasqual Valley on Saturday, Sept. 23, for lunch, wine-tasting and harvest of the 2006 San Diego Press Club Syrah. That's right, press clubbers will pick grapes for a barrel of syrah being donated to the club! The event starts with the harvest at 10 a.m., followed by a picnic lunch under the grape harbor.

Plus - everyone who participates will receive a free bottle of the Syrah when it's bottled.

Come ready to pick grapes. Wear sturdy shoes, hats and garden gloves. Bring garden shears and suntan lotion. Orfila will provide water, lunch and plenty of wine.

"This is the first step in producing a barrel of 2006 Press Club Syrah," said Leon Santoro, Orfila Vineyards' winemaker and general manager, who has offered to have members of the Press Club participate in every step of the wine-making process. The Press Club Syrah (containing approximately 24 cases) will be bottled in the spring of 2008 and ready for enjoying around Labor Day.

"The Press Club Wine Group includes a number of people who are very knowledgeable about wine," said Santoro. "This is a great opportunity to increase their hand-on experience. And everyone - novice or expert is invited."

The cost of the event is $10. Contact the press club office for reservations. Call the office or board member Barbara Metz with questions at (858) 677-0720.

Orfila Vineyards and Winery is located at 13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido, near the Wild Animal Park. From Interstate 15, take the Via Rancho Parkway exit and drive east. Turn right onto San Pasqual Road to the vineyard.

Posted Sept. 2006