Friday, Aug. 15, 2008

Pick & Stomp: Grapevine Vineyard Hosts Annual Harvest

Annual Harvest at Grapevine Vineyard Set for Aug. 16

By Kathleen Bynum

Staff Writer

Many people can recall the hilarity of watching Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo stomp grapes in Italy in one of the best-known I Love Lucy episodes. While Lucy won’t make it to Grapevine’s Delaney Vineyards for the 13th annual Harvest and Grape Stomp of the Cynthiana grapes, lots of other people will take part in the tradition this Saturday, Aug. 16.

The vineyard is encouraging the public to help with the harvest, which begins at 7 a.m. and runs through noon. After the grapes are picked, the stems are removed from the clusters and then added to a huge vat. The grape stomp begins at 10 a.m., according to a news release.

Participants are then encouraged to get their feet wet — literally. Groups of about four to six people are allowed to stomp the grapes at the same time. After getting their legs good and purple, stompers will be rinsed off with a water hose. Even so, participants may want to avoid wearing white!

While grape picking and stomping are free, wine tastings — also beginning at 10 a.m. — are $1 each.

In addition to the harvest. musicians will be playing inside the vineyard and vendors will be selling their wares.

For details, contact Delaney Vineyards at 817-481-5668 or see www.delaneyvineyards.com or call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 817-410-3185.

Founded in 1996, Delaney Vineyards is at 2000 Champagne Blvd. in Grapevine.