If you’ve always wanted to stomp grapes like in “I Love Lucy,” then California Wine Month this Sept. is the best time to do it! Wineries all over the state offer grape stomp contests so you can crush your competitors and celebrate with wine, food, music and more! To help you pick the one that’s right for you, Wine Institute—the resource for all things California wines—compiled these ten great grape stomps and close-up harvest experiences.**
Not into stomping? Find nearly 100 wine events and activities, from harvest boot camps, to wine and food pairings, tours and more happening in September at www.DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
ST. HELENA: Old Fashioned Harvest Grape Stomp at Schweiger Vineyards Sept. 6, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. schweigervineyards.com 4015 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA Guests start on the terrace with coffee and pastries, where they'll meet founder Fred Schweiger and his winemaker son, Andy, and learn what makes the terroir unique, how to measure brix (sugar) levels in the fruit, farming techniques, and then pick Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. After guests’ samples are harvested, they’ll head back to the crush pad where the stomping of grapes begins, followed by lunch with red wines. The afternoon concludes with Port XIII and chocolate. Reservations required.
SONOMA: Harvest Party at Alexander Valley Vineyards Sept. 14, 2019, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, CA https://www.avvwine.com/ Activities for the day include Grape picking & Grape stomp, Wine Cave tour, Blessing of the grapes and more!
ST. HELENA: 2019 Grape Stomp Competition Sept. 21, 2019, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Venue: 1010 Big Tree Road, St. Helena, CA This is your chance to experience the age old ritual of stomping grapes for winemaking. Lucille Ball immortalized it, and now it’s your turn now to get in that barrel and squeeze as much juice out of the grapes as possible.
SONOMA: Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival Sept. 27-29, 2019, Times Vary Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma CA valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.com Includes both adult and youth grape stomps! Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival Grape Stomp The number of teams will be limited. Donation requested.
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MADERA: Ficklin Vineyards Harvest Stomp Sept. 14, 2019, 7-9 p.m. 30246 Avenue 7 ½, Madera, CA 93637 ficklin.com Celebrate Ficklin Vineyards 70th harvest with a hearty great stomp and meal. Savor Tri-tip BBQ al fresco, stomp grapes, taste Ports, sip Port punch and Sangrias, Indulge in desserts, play corn hole, sample fermentations in process on their way to becoming award-winning Ports! $, tickets available online or in Tasting Room.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY: Harvest Hands 2019: Sept. 14, 9 a.m. 5185 E Highway 246, Lompoc, CA https://www.melvillewinery.com/ Join Chad Melville for foot stomping, punch downs, pressing and more. After 23 harvests, Chad is excited to share this hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience with those who are eager to learn about winegrowing. Reservations required.
ARROYO GRANDE: Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival Sept. 27—28, 2019 Downtown Arroyo Grande, Olohan Alley, Branch, Bridge, Nelson and Mason Streets, Arroyo Grande, CA www.agharvestfestival.com The festivities will include parade, entertainment, performances, music, scarecrow decorating contest, homegrown growing contest, pie and bread contest, arts and crafts, food and more. Visit the agricultural pavilion and browse various displays, farm animals, a grape stomp and more.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
JULIAN: 23rd Annual Grape Stomp Fiesta Sept. 7, 2019, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Menghini Winery 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA menghiniwinery.com The 23nd anniversary of the Julian Grape Stomp Festa the old-world tradition of kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs and letting tons of blessed grapes squish beneath your feet! $, reservations recommended.
RAMONA: Grape Stomp Sept. 14, 2019, 2-7 p.m. Ramona Outdoor Community Center 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona, CA www.ramonagrapestomp.com 30+ artisan and vendor booths, local wine & beer, grape stomp competition or free, leisurely stomp with no stress (age 13 & older) and no pets!
TEMECULA: Ponte Winery Grape Stomp Sept. 22, 2019 35053 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, CA pontewinery.com Event includes dinner, wine, live music and dancing. Reservations and tickets required and includes admission to the grape stomp event.
**Please check with the event for pricing.
Wineries all over the state offer grape stomp contests so you can crush your competitors and celebrate with wine, food, music and more! To help you pick the one that’s right for you, Wine Institute—the resource for all things California wines—compiled these ten great grape stomps and close-up harvest experiences.**
