Orfila Winery’s annual Grape Stomp
Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 4 PM – 8 PM.
The afternoon event celebrates the beginning of harvest — Old World style — with grape stomping in a gigantic five-foot barrel, full dinner buffet, dancing to live music, wine tasting and winery tours- all for the price of $85.00 per person. Everyone attending can enjoy being part of an Italian-style grape stomp. It’s a great time for each person to connect personally with the grapes and salute Mother Earth as the grape juice swirls around their ankles and oozes between their toes.
The 70-acre vineyard and winery has hosted the stomp every year since 1993, and every year more people want to participate.This year’s festivities is expected to sell out as usual with close to 400 people buying tickets for an afternoon of not only grape stomping, but tasting wine, dancing and dinner.
Linda Kissam explains about the grape stomp, “This is an event that appeals to both men and women of all ages. Generally the women are a bit more adventurous at the beginning, but the men can and do hold their own quite well!” Winemaker Don Reha explains, ” It’s a apart of our history. I can’t wait to enjoy this tradition with our guests this year.”
What happens to the stomped grapes? By law, the juice can’t be used for human consumption. The winery ends up using it as fertilizer. Tickets can be ordered by calling (800) 868-9463 (outside of San Diego County) (877) 727-9463 (within San Diego County) or online at www.orfila.com
Hors D’oeuvres :
Imported and Domestic Cheese Wheels, Pâtés and Crackers.Bleu Cheese Dip with Caramelized Shallots and Sliced French Baguettes.
Lavosh-bread Pinwheels with Grilled Eggplant, Roasted Red Pepper,Fresh Basil, Homemade Hummus and French Feta Cheese.
Fresh Fruit in Season.
Imported and Domestic Cheese Wheels, Pâtés and Crackers.Bleu Cheese Dip with Caramelized Shallots and Sliced French Baguettes.
Lavosh-bread Pinwheels with Grilled Eggplant, Roasted Red Pepper,Fresh Basil, Homemade Hummus and French Feta Cheese.
Fresh Fruit in Season.
Dinner Buffet:
Crisp Garden Greens with Diced Salami and Provolone, Olives, Pear Tomatoes, Green Onions, Marinated Celery and CauliflowerTossed with Italian Vinaigrette.
Mediterranean Pasta Primavera Cheese Stuffed Tortellini Tossed with Artichoke Hearts, Olives, Peppers, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Feta, and Pine Nuts in a Garlic Shallot Oil.
Pesto Chicken Roulade Chicken Rolled & Stuffed with Pine Nuts, Spinach, Ricotta Cheese & Prosciutto Presented with a Pesto Cream Sauce.
Slow Roasted Short Ribs in a Savory Sauce.
Served with Roasted New Potatoes With Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kosher Salt and Fresh Herbs.
Crisp Garden Greens with Diced Salami and Provolone, Olives, Pear Tomatoes, Green Onions, Marinated Celery and CauliflowerTossed with Italian Vinaigrette.
Mediterranean Pasta Primavera Cheese Stuffed Tortellini Tossed with Artichoke Hearts, Olives, Peppers, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Feta, and Pine Nuts in a Garlic Shallot Oil.
Pesto Chicken Roulade Chicken Rolled & Stuffed with Pine Nuts, Spinach, Ricotta Cheese & Prosciutto Presented with a Pesto Cream Sauce.
Slow Roasted Short Ribs in a Savory Sauce.
Served with Roasted New Potatoes With Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kosher Salt and Fresh Herbs.
Dessert:
Homemade Multi-berry Shortcakes with Meyer Lemon Cream.
Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Certified Organic Sumatra Golden Mandheling Gourmet Coffees.
Grape Stomp Schedule:
4-8 PM
– 4-6 Wine tasting – 5:30 Dinner- 7:30 Last call for wine- 7- 7:30 Prize Drawing
$85.00 Ticket Includes
– Wine (5- 2oz. pours)
– Food (see menu below)
– Music , upbeat Jazz vocal
– Stomping
– Lots of fun
This looks like so much fun. I'm going to be in Sonoma/Napa then. I wonder if they do something like up up there?
If you want me to find out for you I will. They can't actually use the grapes that are stomped for wine due to the laws…which means that finding a grape stomp just for fun should be easy. Years ago we did it at Ballard Canyon, a now defunct winery in Santa Ynez. It's equally fun to watch, especially as guests MAY have been drinking!