Make Your Own Bottle of Wine
Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at the Elkhorn Peak Cellars Estate Vineyard: 200 Polson Rd. Napa, CA 94559.
Have you ever wondered what really goes into a final blend of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon? The answer might surprise you.
Join winemaker Elise Nerlove for a hands-on, immersive wine blending seminar at Elkhorn Peak. During this intimate experience, you’ll step into the role of winemaker for the day — tasting, experimenting, and crafting your very own Bordeaux-style blend.
We provide everything you’ll need, including blending wines, glassware, tools, and bottling materials. At the end of the seminar, you’ll take home one bottle of your custom blend, complete with a personalized, hand-labeled “domaine” name.
Just in time for the holiday season, this is the perfect opportunity to create a meaningful, one-of-a-kind gift — or arrive at your next gathering with a wine no one else in the world has.
Your ticket includes a vineyard tour, guided tasting, and the full blending seminar experience. Additional wine will be available for purchase on-site or may be shipped.
Space is intentionally limited to just 12 guests to ensure a relaxed, intimate, hands-on experience. Advance ticket purchase is required. This event is 21+ only.
By attending, you’re supporting one of Napa Valley’s small family farms and a proud member of the Micro-Winery Guild. We can’t wait to share our agricultural heritage with you.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
11:00 – 11:30 AM: Welcome to Elkhorn Peak
Enjoy a glass of Elkhorn Peak Estate Grown Pinot Noir while getting to know our story during a short vineyard talk. We’ll then move into our rustic, 100-year-old barn for the blending seminar.
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Blending 101: Exploring Bordeaux Varietals
Napa Valley may be famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, but great Cab is rarely just Cab. In fact, only 75% of a wine must be Cabernet Sauvignon to carry the name. What makes up the rest?
In this guided sensory exploration, you’ll taste classic Bordeaux blending components individually, learn how each contributes structure and balance, and take notes as Elise prepares you for your own blending session.
12:15 – 1:00 PM: Winemaker for a Day: Create Your Blend
Elise Nerlove, second-generation winemaker and sommelier, will walk you through the art and science of blending. Using pipettes, graduated cylinders, and a range of base wines, you’ll experiment and refine your own custom blend. Elise and her assistant will offer personalized guidance throughout.
1:00 – 1:30 PM: Bottling & Labeling
Once your blend is perfected, it’s time to bottle. Elise will guide you through the final calculations, and you’ll fill and label your own bottle — a wine crafted entirely to your taste, complete with a hand-labeled domaine name.
1:30: Departure
We’re happy to share restaurant or winery recommendations to round out your afternoon in Napa Valley.