Grape stomping isn’t just something that Lucille Ball did for laughs. Also known as pigeage, it’s a genuine form of pressing the juices from grapes for fermentation to begin. Yes, it’s also a complete load of fun (Lucy wasn’t kidding.) We’re soon coming up on that time of year in the Texas Hill Country when grapes need stomping for that wonderful wine to be made. Harvest season in the Texas Hill Country normally spans between July and September, and if you get to participate in a grape stomp at a local winery, it’s the most fun you can have with your shoes off! Seriously! And, several wineries provide the opportunity for stompers to step on a t-shirt, solidifying the fact that they indeed took part in such a process and taking a wonderful memento of their day home with them. Here are some great local places to get your feet dirty, bring a friend or the whole family to share in the fun, and become part of a particular Texas Hill Country vintage that you can be proud of!
Things to Do
Great Places to Go Grape Stomping in the Texas Hill Country
Messina Hof, Fredericksburg
Photo: Facebook/Messina Hof Winery & Resort
On Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26, guests at Messina Hof in Fredericksburg can participate in and enjoy a fun-filled and unique, all-day grape picking and stomping experience. Never fear. This also includes wine tasting classes as well as some of their wonderful cuisine! They host the very same fun events at their Bryan location as well.
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards, New Braunfels
Photo: Facebook/Dry Comal Creek Vineyards and Winery
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards hosts their Grape Stomp 2017 on Saturday, August 12, as both a fun and semi-competitive event. They allow for any two adults to participate, with one doing the stomping and the other doing collection. In the end, the pair that produces the most juice in their allotted time will win! The entry fee for a two-person team is $150, plus tax, which also includes a catered lunch, two glasses of wine, live music, a wine glass with the vineyard logo as a great memento, and a commemorative t-shirt each. Not only that, but the winners will have their names printed on a label for the 2017 Foot Pressed Red Table Wine!
Pedernales Cellars, Stonewall
Photo: Facebook/Visit Fredericksburg TX
Grape stomping is celebrated at Pedernales Cellars over several weekends each year. This year, their event dates are listed as August 11-13, August 18-20, August 25-27, and September 1-3. Visitors are welcomed to stomp to their heart’s content, enjoy live local music, and sip some award-winning wines. For the cost of $16, souvenir t-shirts will be available on which you can set your purple-colored feet once finished, and take home a great memory of the day. The stomping is a free activity, and regular wine tasting fees will apply.
