The last Grape Stomp Event at Fall Creek Vineyards is on Saturday, August 26! Make plans and go!
I grew up with one image in my mind when it came to Grape Stomps at Winery Harvests: I Love Lucy, going deeper and deeper into her barrel of grapes! Also, there is a video out there of a woman in a super small barrel/bowl who fell off of a platform while stomping, and you don’t want to do that, do you? Don’t worry, there is a perfectly safe way to do a grape stomp…go to the Hill Country of Texas and enjoy the Grape Stomp at Fall Creek Vineyards in Tow, Texas, west of Austin! I was thrilled to be invited to the Grape Stomp Events at Fall Creek Vineyards. First, luncheon with celebrity chef, Jay Hunter, from the Horseshoe Bay Resort, then stomping grapes, followed by a fabulous wine tasting with Sergio Cuadra, the Director of Winemaking!
Driving to Fall Creek Vineyards from Dallas, I decided to take the scenic route instead of the horrible rush of I-35. From Dallas I took 67 to 281, and drove down to Johnson City (hometown of President Lyndon Baines Johnson), then to Driftwood, Texas, where Fall Creek Vineyards has a lovely, small vineyard of young grapes with a beautiful tasting room and a bed and breakfast. The vineyard is directly across from the entrance to the famous Salt Lick BBQ! I enjoyed exploring the vineyard, and spending a comfortable and quiet night. The next morning I drove to Tow, Texas, to the main Vineyard of Fall Creek. Tow is northwest of Marble Falls, and is in the real Texas Hill Country! I loved the drive, it was so beautiful.
At the luncheon, I met Susan Auler, one of the owners of Fall Creek, and she was absolutely delightful. Her warmth toward every visitor is a perfect example of Texas Hill Country hospitality! I was seated with fellow journalists, Ed and Glynnis, and we spent a lovely hour being treated to a two course luncheon. First, a beautiful salad, followed by the tastiest salmon dish I have ever had. Both dishes were beautifully plated. We enjoyed a lovely Fall Creek Vineyards Rose and a Merlot with lunch.
As wonderful as lunch was, I couldn’t wait to go and stomp on some grapes! Now, don’t worry, the grapes you stomp on do not go into the wine making. Two barrels were on a platform, full of grapes, and children and adults were thoroughly enjoying stomping! You can even buy a t-shirt to make your purple footprints on, showing that you stomped grapes at Fall Creek Vineyards.
Everyone was enjoying the events!
As fun as stomping was, I did have to hose off and head for the wine tasting with the Director of Winemaking, Sergio Cuadra. He showed us the vats where they “make” the wine, and we tasted out of the vats. The unfinished wines were almost creamy in color and consistency. The bouquet wasn’t yet strong, and the taste was a bit weak, but I actually enjoyed the unfinished product.
Next, we saw grapes that needed to be “pressed”. They are pressed three times a day, and I tried it, it is a little difficult!
What a day! I had so much fun, and met many people from all over Texas at the different events I attended. The luncheon and wine tasting require tickets, so be sure and get them here. I had no idea how much fun events at Fall Creek Vineyards could be! A band played, people had food, sodas, and seating available and brought their children, grandparents and dogs to the event. There are goodies for sale, especially fabulous Texas wine. I had a wonderful adventure and I urge you to head down to Tow on August 26! Enjoy!
My thanks to Fall Creek Vineyards for hosting me, you can be sure I will be back!
What fun! I loved the Lucy episode too! It looks like you had a grand time! Next year I will put the even on my calendar. Thank for sharing!
Grand is an apt way to describe it!!!
So much fun! I love visiting vineyards and wineries. I’ve never done the stomp, but might be up for it! I hope you didn’t get wine slop on your beautiful outfit!
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I didn’t! It was a lot of fun!
I’m dying to do a grape stomp. It looks like so much fun!
Stomping was just a part of it….a band, food, wine, it was a great day!
Looks like so much fun! I’m sorry I missed it. Food and wine both look great. Question, were your feet stained? I remember it being so squishy and cold. LOL
No, they hosed them off the moment I got out of the barrel! It was awesome!