Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 09/07/2008 03:26 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 10/05/2008 09:59 AM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Get Ready for Some Stomping Action and a Stunning Auction features Once in a Lifetime Wine Experiences on October 4th, 2008....If the Weather Cooperates, Plan to Stop By Right Here for "Live" Coverage!
Murphys, CA....If the weather cooperates this Saturday, you can plan to stop by here on ThePineTree.net for "Live" coverage of the Grape Stomp....Gold Rush Day gives everyone the rare pleasure of getting un-serious in a serious world. Every first Saturday in October the historic town of Murphys transforms into a frenzy of activity with two renowned events - the Calaveras Grape Stomp and the Gold Rush Street Faire. Both events run simultaneously between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and benefit Feeney Community Park on Highway 4 in Murphys. On Saturday, October 4th in Murphys, CA, The annual Grape Stomp event in the Murphys Community Park has become one of the most anticipated events of the year, drawing a large crowd of stompers and spectators from around California. The Stomp is organized by the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance, an organization of Calaveras County wineries and features the stomping competition, silent and live auctions as well as art, food, street fair and of course…wine!....
Click Photo to See Last Year's Grape Stomp Photo's!
If you are on a low bandwidth connection or on a mobile device Click Here!
The focus has shifted this year, emphasizing the silent and live auctions which will raise money for local scholarships and non-profit organizations. The wineries feel that this is their opportunity to give back to the community which supports them. One-hundred percent of the money donated in the auction goes to these causes. An auction that seemed like any typical community event auction has turned into a wine lover’s dream. This year’s auction offers unique experiences that you cannot find anywhere, featuring behind the scenes winemaking, custom wine blending, exclusive dinners and more. (See auction item highlights below)
The event created to celebrate crush wouldn’t be complete without the Grape Stomp Competition, which fills up quickly every year. Two person teams line up on a stage to stomp and muck the grapes, to see who can create the most juice. The stomper’s job is to get in the wine barrel and use their feet to crush the grapes. The mucker’s responsibilities are to bend down and aid in the flow of juice from the barrel out the spout into the measuring bucket. It has evolved into quite the contest, teams coming back every year with their eye on the prize; most competitors opt to wear wild costumes making the spectacle even greater.
For those who aren’t ready to jump into the barrel, the Gold Rush Street Fair provides hours of strolling through unique gifts, art, food, beer and local Calaveras Wine. It is truly an entertaining afternoon for the whole family. For booth/vendor information, call Diane at 209-736-4219.
Harvest Crush Experience for Two with Hatcher Winery - Work as hard or as little as you like side by side with winery owner and wine maker Matt Hatcher for three days during crush Package includes 3 night stay in a deluxe cottage at La Honda Park, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 exciting days of crush
Greenhorn Creek Resort Getaway for Four - One night stay in a 2 BD/2BA Condo at World Mark Resort by Wyndam, two rounds of golf per person (eight rounds), lunch for four at Camps Restaurant, Dinner for four at Camps restaurant and a 30 minute group lesson with the Greenhorn Golf Pro.
CWA Events Experience -In 2009 - 5 separate nights of lodging courtesy of Central Sierra Lodging, ½ case of wine, tickets for Winegrape & Gourmet, 2, 3-day Passport tickets, tickets to the Vineyard Tour BBQ (Dates of reserved lodging are 2/14/09, 3/7/09, 6/26/09, 7/31/09 & 10/3/09)
Bear Valley Winter Experience -Two unlimited adult 08/09 Season Passes to Bear Valley Mountain Resort, one night stay at the Bear Valley Lodge, one ½ hour Bear Valley Snowmobile rental, two Bear Valley Cross Country ski or snowshoe trail passes with equipment rental.
Rare San Francisco Giants Memorabilia Lot - Collector’s items that you can’t find anywhere donated directly from coaches, autographed paraphernalia, display items and more
Interactive pairing class and private dinner for 10 at Newsome HarlowInteractive cheese and wine pairing class followed by a private dinner for 10 at Newsome Harlow. Chef Melanie will create an extraordinary menu paired with Newsome Harlow library wines and current releases.
Romantic Weekend for Two in the Vineyard -Two nights accommodation above Lake New Melones at Villa Vallecito Vineyard, gourmet dinner prepared at the Villa and breakfast one morning
Behind the Scenes Winery Experience for Two - One day in the Frog’s Tooth tasting room with winery owner Larry, one day in the vineyard and new winery with owner Gary, lunch, Magnum of limited production Petite Sirah.
Wine Bottling Experience for Four -One night stay in the Villa at Vina Moda, dinner prepared by owner and world class chef Jeannine, paired with Vina Moda wines joined by the owners of, Mobile Wine Line, one day of wine bottling, continental breakfast & lunch
Winery BBQ Dinner and Custom Wine Created for Eight -Dinner at Indian Rock Vineyards with Vineyard Manager Steve, winery owner Dave and three local wine makers of Indian Rock, Hatcher and Newsome Harlow Wineries, the wine makers will create custom individual blends for the dinner
Lunch in the Cellar - Gourmet four course lunch for eight people in Chatom's cellar. Lunch will be paired with Chatom Vineyard's award winning wines
Chatom Vineyards Zinfandel Vertical 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Other Unique Winery Experiences from Twisted Oak, Solomon Wine Company, Stevenot Winery, Zucca Mountain Vineyards and more!
After the Grape Stomp, be sure not to miss Bonnie Raitt & The Blind Boys of Alabama in Concert at Ironstone Vineyards!
How Does the Calaveras Grape Stomp Work?
Teams are composed of two people, the Stomper, who stands inside a half barrel and stomps the grapes, and a Swabber (aka Mucker)who reaches into the barrel and ensures a smooth flow of juice through the filter, collecting the juice from 25 pounds of grapes in just 3 minutes.
The juice is precisely weighed, with teams advancing towards the Championship Stomp. A maximum of 10 teams will compete in as many as twelve separate qualifying stomps, or heats.
Prizes are awarded to the winners of their heats, and special prizes are awarded to the top three finishers of the Championship Stomp. The Championship Stomp is expanded to 5 minutes and additional grapes are put in each barrel.
Teams also compete in an optional Costume Contest. Teams in costume need not compete in costume, but must check-in in costume.
The Calaveras Grape Stomp is just as much fun to watch as it is to participate in. Many teams are affiliated with companies, clubs, or other organizations, and bring an entire delegation to join in the fun and cheer their teams on.
How Do I Enter a Team?
Simply fill out the entry form included in this brochure or log on and download a Stomp entry form and mail the completed form, along with the entry fee to:
Calaveras Grape Stomp
c/o Schantz & Associates
P.O.Box 547
San Andreas, Ca 95249
Stomp times fill up quickly. The advanced entry deadline is September 22. Same day registration is first come, first served if stomp times are available.
Eleven Simple Rules for Competing in the
Calaveras Grape Stomp™
1. Each team shall consist of two persons. One person, the Stomper, stands inside the barrel and stomps the grapes, and the other person, the Swabber, stands outside the barrel and catches the juice in the bucket(s) provided. The Swabber may also reach inside the barrel to ensure a free flow of juice through the screen and out the drain spout.
2. The screen must completely cover the drain spout inside the barrel at all times. Any team removing the screen is subject to disqualification.
3. Adult Stompers may not enter the barrel until the starter begins the stomp. Children may enter the barrel prior to the beginning of the stomp. Stompers must stomp in an upright position and may not use their hands for support in any way. Stompers may use their hands only to enter and exit the barrel, and to regain balance if necessary.
4. Teams enter the competition at their own risk.
5. Teams are judged by the amount of juice, measured by weight, which accumulates in the bucket(s). Buckets must be immediately surrendered to Grape Stomp Staff at the conclusion of each Stomp.
6. Given sufficient entries, the 2008 Grape Stomp will consist of up to 12 qualifying heats of ten (10) teams each. Each heat will be three minutes in duration, and the barrel will contain twenty-five (25) pounds of grapes.
7. There will be two semi-final stomps. To reach the semi-finals, teams must either a) win their heat, or b) qualify as a Wild Card team. Wild Cards are determined by juice weight. The number of Wild Card teams advancing will be determined by the judges. In the case of ties, both or all teams advance.
8. Teams with the highest juice weight from the combined results of the semi-finals will advance to the Championship Stomp. The number of teams advancing to the Championship Stomp will be determined by the judges. In the case of a tie, both or all teams advance.
9. The Championship Stomp will be 5 minutes in duration and additional grapes will be added to the barrels at the judges discretion. In case of ties, both or all teams will be declared Champion.
10. All Rules are subject to change at the discretion of judges.
11. Have fun!!!
Click Here to download an entry Form!!
Schedule of Stomps:
Stomps will generally be held approximately every 15 to 20 minutes, as necessary, beginning at 9:30 am as entries require. Please read entry form for more information which can be found at calaveraswines.org.
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