How to Work a Wine Harvest This Year, the Best Burger & Wine Spots in NYC, and a Southern French Producer Everyone Loves

Hey guys!

This week we’re diving into a few fun topics: a quick guide on how to work a wine harvest this year, some of my favorite burger and wine spots around the city, and a producer from the South of France that I’ve been a fan of for quite some time. Enjoy! 🙏

Everything You Need to Know Before Stepping Into the Vineyard

It’s that time of year when winemakers start planning for wine harvest. If you’re not familiar, harvest is when grapes are picked and turned into the wines we’ll be drinking for the year ahead. It’s a special occasion that brings together farm hands from around the globe to help with the hard work. If you’re looking to get your hands dirty and join the fun, here’s how to do it:

Wine harvest is not a quick weekend trip. Most places abroad need you anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, so be prepared to dedicate that time. Some wineries may offer shorter stints, but if you’re eyeing a particular winemaker, you might need to commit for the full season. It’s hard work, but incredibly rewarding, so think about how much time you can realistically offer.

With so many producers popping up around the world, the options are endless. I’ve had friends work the steep slopes of Mosel in Germany, tend beachside vines in Galicia, and even travel to work vines all the way in Australia. A great place to start is by thinking about the wines that excite you or the country you’d love to work in. Once you narrow that down, you’ll be well on your way to finding a spot that aligns with what you want.

Getting in touch with a winemaker can be done through a few different channels: a DM on Instagram, an email to the winery, or even reaching out to an importer (Zev Rovine Selections, Jenny Francois, Jose Pastor Selections, Vom Boden, etc.) for an intro. Spots fill up fast, so be prepared to contact multiple places (around 3-5 is a good number) to increase your chances. Some winemakers might respond quickly, others may take longer, don’t be discouraged, persistence is key.

To work a wine harvest abroad, you'll likely need to apply for a temporary work visa, which varies by country. Many countries offer specific visas for seasonal agricultural work or working holidays. Start by researching the visa options for the country you plan to work in, gather necessary documents like a job offer, passport, and etc., and apply as soon as you can, as processing times can vary. Some winemakers may assist in the visa process, so be sure to check with them. Of course, you can always choose to work a harvest domestically, which can eliminate a lot of paperwork.

Harvest is no easy task, it’s physically demanding, often involving long days under the sun, cutting grapes, and sometimes pressing in the cellar. It’s hard work, but also a valuable learning experience and a great opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for wine. You’ll work alongside experienced winemakers and farm hands, gaining insight into the flow of the vineyard and how grapes move from vine to cellar.

Hope this helps! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. I had an amazing time working a short harvest in the Rhône and Alsace last year, and I’ll likely be working a few more harvests this upcoming September. I couldn’t recommend it more.

Finding the best burger spots with even better wine lists in NYC

I’m no expert, and this list will probably evolve as I try more burgers, but here’s my current list of the best places to enjoy a burger and a bottle of wine in New York City.

It’s hard to overstate just how great the burger is at Red Hook Tavern, it’s one of the best in the city, and many would agree. Nestled in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood, this spot is a must visit for anyone craving a classic steakhouse burger. The burger itself is everything you want: juicy, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. But what really sets it apart is the exceptional wine list. It’s not just a random collection of bottles; you’ll find rare gems and allocated wines that make you do a double take. Weekends can be tough to get into without a reservation, but during the week, walk-ins are easier, so plan ahead if you want to guarantee a spot.

After hearing rave reviews for years, I finally made it to Rolo’s this week, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Known for its fantastic burgers, lasagna, hanger steak, and impressive wine list, this spot has earned its loyal following, and for good reason. The burger is next level, but what really won me over was the carefully curated wine list. They have a lot of great value, with generous markups. Also, a heads up: they sell out of burgers quickly, usually by 7 p.m., so plan to get there early. The vibe is casual, but don’t be fooled, this place takes its food and wine seriously. Even if you miss the burger rush, the other menu options and wine list alone is more than worth the visit.

Okay, full disclosure: Hamburger America doesn’t actually have a wine list, but I didn’t want to leave you hanging with just a list of hard-to-get reservations. If you're in the mood for a great burger and want to pair it with a bottle, this spot is the choice for takeout. Their fried onion burger is pretty fantastic, sweet onions cooked inside of a perfectly cooked patty. It pairs perfectly with a Pinot Noir, a Gamay, or a Syrah, so stop by your local wine shop, grab a bottle, and enjoy the best of both worlds from your couch.

Some Honorable Mention Include: Minetta Tavern, Lord’s, Au Cheval, and Ingas Bar. I know there are plenty of other great spots I’ve missed, but when I make it to a few more, I’ll be sure to update the list!

One of our favorite parts of wine is the discovery: we’re constantly being put on to new regions, producers, and cuvées from our friends. We’ll never be able to try EVERY wine, but we want to take a moment to mention some producers that excite us!

That’s it for today! I really appreciate you taking the time to read along.

A big thanks to everyone who came out to our Carnitas Ramirez x Cellar 36 pop-up last week, it was a blast! If you missed it, no worries, we’ve got a few more events lined up for the Summer. Stay tuned!

Thanks again for reading, and as always, drink responsibly! 🥂