Be sure to read the 2019 version of Grape Stomping!
Who is ready for purple feet? It’s that time of year in Texas when the grapes must be stomped. Unlike California, where harvest season begins in late September through October, the Texas sunshine and sweltering temperatures speed up the ripening process and our season starts in July through August.
One of the best ways to get in the spirit of Texas wine loving is to get your hands, I mean feet, dirty during harvest season by participating in a grape stomp. Grape stomps are so much fun and it’s something you can do with the whole family. Little feet especially enjoy the sensation of squishing the grapes and getting all “purple.” Even the youngest of stompers can participate!
The young at heart can also have a grand time participating in one of the oldest traditions known to winemaking. Feel like a Roman as you stomp and press the grapes into a mushy pulp. Or you can even do an “I Love Lucy” impersonation if you are so inclined. Either way, the grapes must be macerated and your feet are the ancient day machines for the job.
If you are ready to get into the Texas harvest season and have some fun stomping grapes, here are some Texas Wineries where you can participate in the festivities.
July 16, 2016
Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery
Harleton, Texas
Harvest Grapes, Taste Wines, Tour the Winery, Make a custom t-shirt, Enjoy a Gourmet Meal, Relax and Listen to Jazz.
August 6, 2016
Majek Vineyard and Winery
Schulenburg, Texas
Food, Games, and Family Fun! Admission is Free! Grape Stomp (including t-shirt) is $20.
July 30th or August 6, 2016
Blue Lotus Winery and Texas Mead Works
Seguin, Texas
Featuring a spaghetti and meatball dinner and grape stomping fun. Tickets on sale now.
August 7
Bernhardt Winery
Plantersville, Texas
Celebrate Bernhardt Winery’s 11th Anniversary and stomp some grapes along with listening to live music.
Various Dates in July and August
Messina Hof
Fredericksburg, Bryan, and Grapevine, Texas
Enjoy a unique, all-day experience including grape picking and stomping, wine tasting classes, and their exclusive Vineyard Cuisine.
August 13, 2016
Hye Meadow Winery
Hye, Texas
Enjoy a beautiful setting and fantastic wine in one of the Hill Country’s up and coming wine areas along with a grape stomp.
August 13, 2016
Westcave Cellars
Round Mountain, Texas (near Hamilton Pool)
Get your feet stomping to great music. Delicious BBQ available for purchase. Insider Tip: If you plan on visiting Hamilton Pool, you now need a reservation!
4 Weekends in July and August
Pleasant Hill Winery
Brenham, Texas
You get purple feet and a special T-shirt: “I picked. I stomped. I made some wine.” Bring the kids and don’t forget your camera!
August 6 & 7 and August 13 & 14, 2016
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
New Braunfels, Texas
For those with a competitive spirit. Any two adults can participate in this event. One will do the “stomping” and the other will do the “collecting.” The couple producing the most juice in the allotted time wins!
August 13 & 14 and August 20 & 21, 2016
William Chris Vineyards
Hye, Texas
Stomp grapes, get a commemorative t-shirt, and enjoy some fine Texas wine.
August 20 & 27, 2016
Fall Creek Vineyards
Tow, Texas
Participate in one of the oldest grape stomps in Texas at the 27th annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival.
August 27 & 28, 2016
Becker Vineyards
Stonewall, Texas
The 20th Annual Grape Stomp is a complimentary event; no reservations required.
First Three Weekends in August
Pedernales Cellars
Stonewall, Texas
Available for purchase will be a commemorative 2016 Grape Stomp T-Shirt which you can decorate with your very own purply footprints. Grape stomp will run from noon-5pm.
September 3, 2016
Chisholm Trail Winery
Fredericksburg, Texas
Grape stomping in Fredericksburg.
September 15-18, 2016
City of Grapevine, Texas
GrapeStomp sponsored by Kroger
GrapeStomp is great fun for the whole family. Entry fee is $5 per person.
Before venturing out to any of the wineries listed above, we recommend calling ahead or even going online now to see if advanced purchase tickets are necessary. Some winery events are for members only and some are open to the public. Events that offer food and wine often require a fee and/or advanced reservations. There is still some time to plan ahead, so don’t miss out on some of the best fun you will have at Texas wineries.
And, by the way, when you go, tell them Texas Wine Lover sent you! Cheers!
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