California-based RV enthusiasts looking for unique activities in September and October will find them at the state’s wineries, several of which organize entertaining wine grape stomping events to celebrate the annual wine grape harvest.
Most wineries charge fees to participate in their grape stomping events, which are usually adult-only events paired with wine tastings and/or gourmet meals, live music, and other activities. However, a small number of wineries and festivals also organize kid-friendly grape stomping events, which give families opportunities to create hilarious memories with their children.
Here’s a sampling of the different types of grape stomping events taking place in California’s most famous wine-growing regions in the coming weeks, along with nearby campgrounds that can be used as Uber-close base camps for these activities:
Napa County
Grape Picking Contest at Bouchaine Winery in Napa: Visitors who come this winery Oct. 1 can participate in a grape picking contest in addition to stomping grapes and sipping 2023 vintage wines. Bouchaine Winery is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Carneros District– a winery that began making wine long before the region earned its reputation for producing the great Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of Carneros today. The roots of Bouchaine go back to long before Prohibition, when it was first owned by the remarkably-named Mr. Boon Fly, who grew grapes and fruit beginning in the late 1880s. According to the winery’s website, the property was bought by Johnny Garetto in 1929, and sold in 1951 to Beringer, who used it as a blending and production facility for almost 30 years.
Grape Stomping at Grgich Hills Estate: This winery offers grape stomping experiences Sunday through Thursday from Sept. 4 through Oct. 15. Participants immerse their feet in a barrel of freshly picked grapes to stomp just as winemakers did ages ago. You’ll also taste some of the wine that put Napa Valley on the map. Other activities include a multi-course gourmet lunch aboard the winery’s vintage train.
V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena: This winery will have a “crush party” with grape stomping on Oct. 13 with live music, food and wine.
Nearby campgrounds include:
Sonoma County
Grape Picking at Stomping at Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg: Reservations are required by Sept. 6 for a Sept. 16 event that includes grape picking and stomping and a barbecue lunch.
Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival Grape Stomp in Sonoma: All ages are welcome to participate in this event, which takes place Sept. 30 in Sonoma’s Historic Plaza.
World Championship Grape Stomp at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair: This Oct. 14 event takes place at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds and includes grape-stomping teams. Each team consists of two people: one stomper and one swabbie. The stomper stands in the barrel and flattens the grapes. The swabby stands below the barrel and catches the juice. All ages are welcome, but stompers (and swabbies!) must be old enough to take part on their own. This particular grape stomp has a long history of welcoming even the youngest grape stompers. Family and friends are encouraged to come to the stomp to provide support. Admission to the fairgrounds is free.
Before the official stomping begins, teams can also compete in a costume competition. Costume winners receive bottles of Sonoma County wine. Underage winners get non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice. All teams are encouraged to get creative with their costumes. Over the years, stomp teams have appeared costumed as just about everything, including Lucy and Ethel, bunches of grapes, superheroes and even a full wedding party. Each member of every stomp team receives a commemorative t-shirt after they stomp.
Nearby campgrounds include:
(photo courtesy of Petaluma KOA Campground)
Paso Robles Area
Cass Harvest Festival Pig Roast and Grape Stomp: This winery will have a pig roast dinner and grape stomping event on Friday, Oct. 13. On Saturday, Oct. 14, the winery will have another grape stomping event, only this time with a taco buffet. Live music will also be provided.
Harvest Festival Dinner and Grape Stomp at Opolo Vinyeards in Paso Robles: This winery will offer grape stomping, folk dancing, fine food, and Opolo wine on Oct. 20.
Nearby campgrounds include:
Temecula Wine Country
Annual Grape Stomp at Maur'rice Carrie Winery in Temecula: This winery will have a grape stomp competition on Sept. 16 along with live music and lawn games.
Annual Grape Stomp at Somerset Vineyard & Winery in Temecula: Oct. 7 is the date for this winery’s annual grape stomping event, which also includes live music.
Nearby campgrounds include:
(Photo courtesy of Temecula KOA at Vail Lake)
