RGNY’s Harvest Season kicks off on August 15 with Dinner in the Vines, an unforgettable evening beneath the stars, surrounded by the vines, featuring a multi-course meal prepared by Chef Noah Schwartz. The series continues in October with a stomp party and a help-us-harvest event. The season wraps up on November 7 with RGNY’s Día de los Muertos celebration. We spoke with Erin Ambrose, RGNY’s Director of Events, to learn more.
Why was it important for RGNY to create an entire Harvest Series? And how do these events help guests better understand what harvest season actually means for a working vineyard?
Harvest is the most important and exciting time of year in the vineyard. It’s the culmination of an entire growing season and the moment when all of the decisions made in the vineyard come together. We created the Harvest Series to reconnect people with the land alongside an insight to a process led by our philosophy of Menos es Más — less is more. Rather than simply observing it from afar, our guests have the opportunity to experience the energy, urgency, and teamwork that define harvest. Through these events, visitors can see firsthand that winemaking begins long before a bottle reaches the table. They gain a deeper appreciation for the land, the agriculture, the people, and the craftsmanship behind every vintage.
What story are you hoping visitors take away after attending any of the Harvest Series events?
We hope guests leave with a stronger understanding that wine is ultimately a reflection of place, people, and time. At RGNY, every harvest tells a unique story. Whether guests are picking or stomping grapes, sharing a meal among the vines, or celebrating cultural traditions with us, we want them to feel connected to the rhythm of the vineyard and the values that guide our family. If they leave with a greater appreciation for the work behind each bottle and a sense of belonging to that story, we’ve accomplished our goal.
How has the Harvest Series evolved over the years?
The Harvest Series began as a way to invite guests into one of the most meaningful moments of our year. Over time, it has grown into a collection of experiences that not only showcase different aspects of harvest season but also our local community partners — local chefs, restaurants, and farms.
We’ve expanded beyond traditional vineyard tours to include immersive, hands-on events, culinary collaborations, and cultural celebrations. As the series has evolved, we’ve focused on creating experiences that are both educational and memorable, allowing guests to engage with the harvest through multiple perspectives — from the vineyard and winery to the table and our family’s heritage.
At the Help Us Harvest event, guests are invited to help pick grapes. What inspired that concept?
Harvest is inherently collaborative. It takes an incredible amount of effort from our vineyard team, winemaker, and staff to bring in the fruit at just the right moment. We wanted to create an opportunity for guests to participate in that process and experience a small part of what harvest actually feels like. There’s something incredibly rewarding about standing in the vineyard, harvesting grapes alongside the people who care for them all year. It transforms visitors from spectators into participants and creates a connection to the wine that lasts long after the day is over.
Dinner in the Vines brings together local ingredients, wine pairings, and a vineyard setting. Why is showcasing local restaurants and food producers important to RGNY?
The North Fork has an extraordinary community of farmers, chefs, fishermen, and artisans, and we believe their work deserves to be celebrated alongside our wines. Wine has always been meant to be enjoyed around the table, and partnering with local restaurants and producers allows us to showcase the incredible flavors and creativity that exist within our region. These collaborations strengthen our local community while creating a more meaningful experience for guests — one that reflects the agricultural richness of the North Fork and the spirit of gathering together.
The Día de los Muertos celebration stands out among North Fork vineyard events. Why was it important to include that tradition as part of the season?
Día de los Muertos is deeply rooted in RGNY’s Mexican heritage, and sharing that tradition is an important part of who we are as a winery, especially because it coincides with the close of our harvest season. At its heart, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of memory, gratitude, family, and connection. Those values align beautifully with harvest season, which is also a time of reflection and appreciation for the people and generations who make this work possible. We are proud to bring this meaningful cultural tradition to the North Fork and invite our community to experience its beauty, symbolism, and joy.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience this harvest season?
More than anything, we’re excited for people to experience the vineyard in its most dynamic and authentic state. There’s an energy during harvest that simply can’t be replicated at any other time of year — the vineyard is alive with activity, the fruit is at its peak, and every day feels meaningful. It is the truest reflection of all the work that goes into nurturing the farm vineyard. Whether guests join us to stomp on grapes, harvest grapes, enjoy a dinner among the vines, or celebrate Día de los Muertos, we hope they leave feeling connected to the season, the land, and the traditions that make RGNY so special. Harvest is when the story of the vintage is written, and we’re excited to share that story with our guests.
