Printer-friendly version
East County News Service
August 26, 2019 (Ramona) — It’s time for stompers and swabbers to create their two-person teams to challenge brother, sister, classmates, boss, colleague or best friend to win the title of “Ramona Grape Stomp Champion” at the third annual Ramona Grape Stomp on Saturday, September 14 at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center (ROCC) from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event offers fun for the entire family—children’s activities, wine tasting, competitive and fun stomping, music, line dancing, food, and shopping.
The Grape Stomp Competition: Stompers and Swabbers
Win Grand Prize Valued at $300
Teams consist of a “stomper” who gets in the barrel with bare feet to squish the grapes and a “swabber” who stands below the barrel and keeps the juice flowing into the cup, pulling the skins away from the screen. The team that collects the most juice in 90 seconds wins the round. Winners of each round will receive an award and will then go on to compete in the semi- and championship rounds.
The grand prize awarded to the champion team is a basket filled with: $200 cash, wine, wine glasses, certificates for tasting at wineries, gift certificates, and Grape Stomp goodies.
The squishing begins at 2:30 p.m. and runs every 30 minutes until the Championship heat at 6:30 p.m., including a special “Kids Only Stomp” for children (12 and under) at 4:00 p.m. A prize will be given for the best team t-shirt or costume.
Stomp for Fun
For squishing grapes at a more leisurely pace, the “Fun Stomp” area will be available for all ages free of charge—great photo op. Children must be accompanied by a parent.
There’s More
Wine tasting will be provided by wineries from the Ramona Valley wine region, including: Barrel 1 Winery, Correcaminos Vineyard, Hatfield Creek Vineyards and Winery, La Finquita Winery and Vineyard, Old Julian Vineyards and Winery, Pamo Valley Winery, Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery, and Vineyard Grant James. In addition, tasting will be offered by Turquoise Barn Cider and Smoking Cannon Brewery.
The Kid Zone will offer a variety of fun activities for the little ones, including face painting, games, and prizes. Participants can also shop from selected merchants and crafters, enjoy music, learn or practice line dancing, visit the photo booth for a commemorative photo, sample food, and bid for special items in a silent auction.
Tickets
Entry tickets can be purchased at the door or from the website: https://ramonagrapestomp.com Adults $10 (18 & over) (or early bird price of $8 until the end of August); Kids - $5 (6-17 years); Kids – FREE (under 6); Parking: FREE.
Tickets for the stomp competition are $20 per team. There is no charge for heat winners to compete in the Grand Prize. Participants can sign up on the webpage at: https://ramonagrapestomp.com Or, they can wait to sign up when they arrive.
Wine tasting tickets are sold only at the event at $10 for 5 tastes. Tasters receive a free souvenir glass with the first purchase. Additional glasses will be available for purchase. All wine tasters must be at least 21 and must provide a photo ID.
Parking is free.
Sponsors
The Ramona Grape Stomp is being presented by the Ramona Rotary Club, the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA), and the Ramona Senior Center. Proceeds of the event will go to education and support services that presenter organizations provide in the community.
Additional sponsors are:
- Big Stomper
- Ramona Disposal Service
- Taster
- Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery
- Joyce T. Strand, Author
- Sipper
- Elston Hay and Grain
- Latham Farm & Vineyards
- Pages Organics
- Rose’s Tasting Room
Recent comments