Grape Stompers Vie For Cash Prizes
Grape vines at Irish Vineyards in Vallecito - Calaveras County
Photo by Charles Pannell
On October 6, 2007, over 90 teams of grape stompers will compete for fame and cash prices at the 14th annual Calaveras Grape Stomp in Murphys, California. Organized by the Calaveras Wine Association, this annual event takes place in Murphys Park throughout the day.
Teams of two, one stomper and one swabber who collects the juice, stomp 25 pounds of grapes for three minutes. Out of the eight teams each half hour, the team that collects the most juice wins the heat and is eligible for the 4 p.m. finals. Cash awards and prizes are given to the first, second, and third place teams
Other events throughout the day include live music in the gazebo, a silent auction, a BBQ and wine tasting from all the Calaveras County wineries. The Gold Rush Street Faire, which runs simultaneously on Main Street, features over 100 vendors selling everything from arts, crafts and antiques to jewelry, clothing and collectibles. It’s great fun and best of all, there’s no admission charge.
Access in Murphys Park is good with accessible parking and public restrooms nearby. And although sidewalks are not standard issue throughout town, most of the pavement is level and wheelable in dry weather.
For more information about the Calaveras Grape Stomp, visit www.visitmurphys.com/grape_stomp.html
Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just 133 miles east of San Francisco, Calaveras County is an emerging winemaking destination, with 21 tasting rooms throughout the area. For more information about accessible tasting rooms, tours, entertainment venues and lodging, check out the Autumn 2007 issue of Emerging Horizons.