Be A Vintner For A Day

Wine enthusiasts can try harvesting grapes at the Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara with the resort's Bacara Crush program, which runs through November.

Working alongside Santa Barbara's top winemakers at area vineyards famous for their chardonnays, pinot noirs, syrahs, and sauvignon blancs, as well as albariño, mourvèdre, and grenache blanc, guests walk the vines, sort grapes, assist with punch downs, and taste-test the wines.

"Bacara Crush is designed to not only take our guests behind the scenes of harvest, but allow them to participate in the process," said Kathleen Cochran, general manager of Bacara Resort & Spa. "It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for wine lovers."

Guests can choose to spend the day at Brewer – Clifton, Carhartt, and Harrison Clarke Wine among other vineyards, many of which are not typically open to the public. Upon completion, guests receive a signed certificate from the winemaker that lists what wine they helped produce.

Bacara Crush is $695 per couple for the five-hour program, which includes a private tour guide, transportation to and from the winery, wine tastings, and a gourmet picnic at the vineyard.

Lauren Mack is the Travel Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @lmack.