It’s harvest time! If you’ve been longing to stomp on grapes ever since that episode of I Love Lucy aired, now is the perfect time. Here are a few of the most interesting ways to make an impact (literally).
Grgich Wine Estates
August 18th – October 29th, 2017 | 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
For those seeking the classic grape stomp experience, look no further than Grgich Wine Estates. Stomp on a barrel of freshly picked grapes, footprint your own “I Stomped at Grgich Hills” T-shirt, and of course, enjoy a glass of Grgich Hills wine in your own keepsake GoVino glass. Tickets are just $35.
Sonoma County Harvest Fair
October 6-8, 2017
For those with a competitive side, Sonoma County Harvest Fair is the place to be. Teams of two compete to stomp and bottle as much juice from 30 pounds of grapes as possible within 3 minutes. Entry to compete is $40 per team. Those who prefer to watch the competition, ideally with a glass of wine, can purchase a $65 Grand Tasting ticket. Guests will have the opportunity to taste from over 100 wineries and the winners of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair Professional Food Competition.
Paraduxx Vineyards
Saturday, October 7, 2017 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
For those looking mainly for delicious wine, with light grape stomping on the side, Paraduxx is their bet. Paraduxx is renowned for its delectable, rich, complex red blends. At the Paraduxx X2 Harvest Release Event, they’ll be sampling their latest releases, along with samples straight from the barrel. Wines will be paired with barbecue bites from Chef Natalie Niksa of La Saison.
Steele Wines
October 14, 2017 | 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
For the true wine aficionado who wants a wine that’s just as good to stomp on as it is to drink, Steele is your best bet. Steele makes truly artisan, small-lot wines sourced from multiple vineyards across California. Its wines are all-natural, hand-harvested, and often in uncommon varietals like Counoise and Aligote. Yes, you’ll have to travel to Kelseyville, CA, but where else can you stomp on grapes and sample award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and many other varietals for just a $5 ticket? You can also get your grocery shopping done at the Farmer’s Market (8:30 AM) or grab a bite at the Art, Craft, and Food Festival (10-5 PM).
The Winery SF
October 15, 2017 | 12:00 – 3:00 P.M.
Don’t feel like traveling to Napa? Experience grape stomping on scenic Treasure Island with the Winery SF’s annual harvest celebration. Tickets includes a tasting of four wines, grape stomping at the winery’s crush pad, and the chance to take an Instagram-worthy stomp photo. Early bird ticket sales end October 1st and cost $27; thereafter the price rises to $47.
Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Harvest Fair.