IF YOU GOWhat: The Georgia Winery's annual end of harvest celebration and Grape Stomp.When: Saturday, Oct. 1 from noon until 4 p.m.Where: Vineyard Garden at the winery's tasting center, on Battlefield Parkway near Interstate 75.Special notes: All ages welcome are welcome; drinkers 21 and over must have valid ID. No outside food or drink allowed. As seating is limited, it is recommended to bring lawn chairs or blankets.Cost: $7 through Friday either here or at the tasting center; $10 at the door. Free admission for children under 12. Non-drinkers ages 13+ are $5 at the door. $5 drink tickets (wine by the glass or additional wine tasting tickets).
An event at the Georgia Winery this Saturday can make dreams come true - that is if those dreams consist of kicking up your heels in a vat of muscadines.
It is time for the annual Grape Stomp, a time when everyone is invited to roll up their pant cuffs or hike their skirts and get down to the squishy business of juicing fruit.
Last year, about 2,000 attended the stomp and the winery is prepared for at least that many for this year's event.
"People should really come prepared to stomp grapes!" said Tara Taymore, spokeswoman for the winery. "When else would you get to stomp grapes? This festival only happens once a year and it is fun for all ages."
Georgia Winery has held a fall festival since its founding in 1983, changing the name to Grape Stomp in 1986 since that was the main activity of the event.
The stomp is the day's main, but not only, attraction. There will be kids' activities, live entertainment by Southern rock and blues musicians the Buckner Brothers Band, local food and craft vendors. Hay rides, wine tastings and souvenir wine glasses will also be featured.
This family-friendly afternoon of fun has grape stomps scheduled every hour.
"Those participating in the stomp must come with clean feet and plan to leave with purple stained feet," Taymore said. "Actually, all you need is dancing feet and clothing that you don't mind getting grape stained."
Jesse Taymore, the winery's manager, said the distance between vine and stomp is short, as Saturday's fruit will be brought from the vineyard in Flintstone.
"We've always used the stomp as a celebration for all the hard work we've put in," he said."I've done it a few times. It is a little slippery and a lot of fun."