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Celebrating Sonoma county’s winemaking heritage, the Valley of the Moon Vintage festival is a three-day event known for its popular “Grape Stomp”, a competition that brings to life an early tradition in winemaking. Originally grapes were crushed by having barefoot participants repeatedly stomp on them in vats to release their juices and begin fermentation, unlike today where a mechanized method such as a wine press is used. Take off your shoes and roll up your pants to experience what it’s like or watch others doing it on Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24 in the Sonoma plaza downtown. There will be three different kinds of stomps happening – the family grape stomp, the corporate stomp, and the Grape STOMPede. This is not just an event for adults, children are encouraged to participate, and you need at least two people. The first person is the “stomper” and gets inside the barrel and stomps the grapes. The second person is known as the “swabber” and stands outside the barrel and catches the juice in the jug provided. The Swabber may also reach inside the barrel to ensure a free flow of juice through the screen and out the drain spout. The team collecting the most juice will be the winner, and then go on to compete for a final winner. You’ll be stomping with the best so come show off your talents in the barrel. Corporate stoppers will have a chance to win a championship plaque and have prize money donated to their favorite Sonoma Valley non-profit on behalf of the festival. This is a highly competitive and fun event. Don’t miss it! Contact me for more information.