Texas Hill Country Wineries Plan Festive Grape Stomp Events
Wine enthusiasts are invited to take a short drive from Austin for grape stomps, tastings, live music, and picturesque vineyard views
As the harvest season begins, Texas Hill Country Wineries are gearing up for grape stomps and a series of vibrant harvest events. From late July through September, these wineries are set to host various exciting activities and celebrations. As wine enthusiasts flock to experience these festivities, each winery promises a unique blend of tastings, live music, and picturesque vineyard views.
William Chris Vineyards: Grape Punch
10352 US-290
August 31 and September 1, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
A “punch down” is the term winemakers use for breaking up the cap that’s created by grape skins and solids forming over actively fermenting wine. You’ll get your hands dirty and will get to say that you helped produce the 2024 vintage. The Winemaking Team will lead you through the punch-down process and will explain why it is so important to make wine. Tickets are $25, which can be purchased here.
Texas Wine Collective: Grape Stomp and Paella Party
10354 E US Hwy 290
August 10, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Enjoy the sweet fragrance of ripened grapes in the air and ring in the next vintage. Come for live music by Kelany & The All-Nighters, dinner, and wine. Ticket price includes wine tasting, one glass of wine with Paella dinner, a T-shirt, and grape stomping. Tickets can be purchased here for $60-$80.
Hye Meadow: Grape Stomp and Tour
10257 West, US-290
Every Saturday in August (3, 10, 17, 24, 31), 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
At Hye Meadow, you can learn about the wonder of winemaking and have fun getting your feet wet at the Grape Stomp. This includes a production tour, grape stomp, tasting, souvenir (with footprints) Tickets can be purchased here for $40.
Pedernales Cellars: Harvest Picnic
2916 Upper Albert Rd.
August 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate the Harvest season at the Pedernales Cellars Harvest Picnic. This family-friendly affair will have food, fun, and games for all to enjoy! For $25, enjoy a BBQ lunch with brisket, fixings, a side of potato salad, and a glass of wine (members receive a 20% discount). Buy tickets here.
Texas Hills Vineyard: Grape Stomp
878 Ranch to Market Rd 2766
August 24, 25, 31, and September 1
Join Texas Hills Vineyard on Saturday, August 24, Sunday, August 25, Saturday, August 31, and Sunday, September 1. On the 24th and 31st, there will be live music from 1 – 4 p.m. The event is free of charge and does not require reservations.
Messina Hof: Hill Country Harvest Festival, Sunset Harvest
9996 US Highway 290 East
August 30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Watch the sun go down as you pick and stomp the grapes into our award-winning Ports at Messina Hof. You will receive a souvenir “Harvest Crew” t-shirt signed with your own purple footprints! All Sunset Harvest tickets include a delicious Vineyard Cuisine dinner buffet and two glasses of wine. Tickets can be purchased here for $75.
Messina Hof: Hill Country Harvest Festival, Daytime Harvest
9996 US Highway 290 East
August 31, from 9-11:30 a.m.
Bring your friends and family to this Hill Country vineyard for a fun-filled day of picking and stomping the grapes that go into creating Messina Hof’s well-known award-winning Ports. You will receive a souvenir “Harvest Crew” t-shirt signed with your very own purple footprints. Take the opportunity to upgrade your Hill Country Harvest experience with brunch and mimosas by purchasing the Harvest Plus Pass! Tickets can be purchased here for $40-$60.
Fall Creek Winery at Driftwood: Grape Stomp
18059 Ranch to Market Rd 1826
September 8, noon–5 p.m.
Get your feet wet with good old-fashioned grape stomping in the “I Love Lucy” style. Enjoy stomping, food for purchase, and fabulous Fall Creek Vineyard wines at their beautiful Driftwood location (with indoor and outdoor seating). Plus, commemorative FCV Grape Stomp T-shirts will be available for purchase. The event is free of charge and does not require any reservations.
For winery members, there are even more events, dinners and grape stomps planned. Learn more about all of the Texas Hill Country Wineries at texashillcountrywineries.org and take note that Texas Wine Month takes place in October when special events and tastings will be plentiful including the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival on October 25 and 26.