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Where To Meet and How To Get There These are "YOU-PICK" grapes only. No machine harvested grapes, no pre-picked grapes. You pick only the grapes you want directly off the vines. There is no minimum amount of grapes that you must buy and no pre-commitment to purchase grapes. The best way you know that you are getting good grapes is to see them on the vine and taste them before you pick and purchase. Most of the grapes that are picked are in Oakley, CA 94561, along the Sacramento river near the south end of the Antioch Bridge. We meet in the morning on pick day at the ARCO station at the corner of Main Street (Hwy 4) at Bridgehead Rd, Oakley. If you go to " Main St at Bridgehead Rd, Oakley, CA 94561" on map software you will see that the ARCO station is one block east of the freeway on Main street (Hwy 4, same thing) on the north-east corner (at Bridgehead Rd). There is more than one ARCO station in Oakley, so don't go to the wrong one. When everyone gets there (most everyone) we leave and go to several different vineyards nearby depending on what varietal(s) of winegrapes folks want. If you get lost and don't show up on time, don't expect me to be there. So don't get lost and don't be late. Some days 40 to 50 people show up (or more) which keeps me real busy. So, please, be on time and be prepared. Driving Directions Coming from the bay area drive east on Hwy 4 through Pittsburg and Antioch. At Hillcrest Ave get in the right lane and stay there. Take Hwy 160 - Stockton - Rio Vista - Hwy 4 exit (Exit #30) on the right. DO NOT TAKE "BYPASS ROAD" on the left. The road (Hwy 160) will make a sweeping turn to the left (north) toward the Antioch bridge (clearly visible) and cross over Hwy 4 (Bypass Road). Exit the freeway at the first exit Main Street, (also Hwy 4). Turn right at the light, get in the left lane. You will see the ARCO station on your left-front one short block away. Turn left at the light (Bridgehead Rd). Turn right into the ARCO station and look for me in a Silver Pontiac Vibe. *** If we are getting grapes from Brentwood we will meet at another place (in Brentwood). I will give you exact instructions on where and when we will meet by email at that time. When: Usually on Saturday and/or Sunday, 6:30am… please don’t be late. Some pick dates are week days. If you can only make it on a weekday send me an email and let me know what dates.
There will be more than one pick date. Harvest will take place over 6 to 8 weeks depending on the weather and how fast each vineyard ripens and is ready to pick.
I will be driving a Silver 06 Pontiac Vibe.
There will be a crusher/destemmer available for your use for a small fee (usually $20).
Bring 5 gallon buckets for picking (food grade is best). We count the buckets and calculate the weight based on the bucket count. A 5 gallon bucket full of grapes weighs 25 to 28 pounds.
Do Not bring 6 gallon buckets or other size containers for picking. Bring ONLY 5 Gallon Buckets for picking.
Bring fermentors/trash cans/(whatever) to dump your buckets full of grapes into for the trip to the cursher/destemmer (not far away) or to haul your grapes home.
Don't expect me to furnish anything that you need or forgot to bring. If you didn't bring it with you, it ain't there.
Bring your 5 gallon buckets, fermentor, trash cans, gloves, cutter, hat, boots, food, water, S02, (wine?) whatever you need to pick and haul the grapes, or must, back home with you.
There are no facilities at the vineyard sites at all. Bring everything you need.
Bring money, CASH ONLY, small bills. No Checks or Credit Cards and I don't make change.
We will all meet at the ARCO station at 6:30 am and leave there about 6:40 am to go to the vineyards not far away.
Pick your grapes, crush/desteam, pay in cash and you’re on your way. We should all be done by 7:30 to 10:00 am.
Got questions or comments? Email me at
I'll see you at the harvest.
Michael |
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