TURNER, Oregon — Tuesday, August 22: Willamette Valley Vineyards will host its 32nd Annual Oregon Grape Stomp Championship & Harvest Celebration on Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24, 11 am to 6 pm, at the winery’s Estate located in the Salem Hills.
Teams of two will compete to win a $500 Willamette gift card and an overnight stay in a Winery Suite at the Estate. Additional prizes will be awarded to those who come dressed in costumes or team uniforms.
The harvest celebration is one of Oregon’s premier events, featuring wine tasting, culinary pairings, grape stomping, a costume competition and live musical performances. Attendees are welcome to participate in pairs, consisting of a “Stomper” and a “Swabbie”. The “Swabbie” is responsible for holding the barrel and collecting the juice, while the “Stomper” crushes the wine grapes.
After the three-minute stomping session, the team that gathers the most juice earns a spot in the Finalist Stomp held at the end of each day. The ultimate face-off will occur on Sunday, September 24 at 5 pm, pitting the top two teams from the Saturday and Sunday stomping sessions against each other for the championship.
“Grape Stomp is a cherished tradition that allows us to connect with our community and share our passion for winemaking,” said Founder and CEO Jim Bernau. “It’s a time to celebrate the harvest season, create lasting memories and raise a glass to the future.”
Where: 8800 Enchanted Way SE Turner, OR 97392
When Saturday & Sunday, September 23 and 24
The Stomp competition is $70 per two-person team ($50 for club members and owners), including two Willamette-branded Riedel Pinot Noir glasses, two wine flights, access to live music, admission to the event and a chance to win the grand prize. A designated time slot must be reserved to participate in the Stomp competition.
General admission is offered for spectators. The cost is $30 per person ($20 for club members and owners), including one Willamette-branded Riedel Pinot Noir glass, one wine flight, live music and access to the event. Winery Chef DJ MacIntyre will have a special menu available for purchase.
For Grape Stomp general admission, please visit this link. Those interested in the stomp competition can make reservations here.
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Founded in 1983 by CEO Jim Bernau with the dream of creating world-class Pinot Noir while serving as stewards of the land, Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from a bold idea into one of the region’s leading wineries, earning the title “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. In addition, all the vineyards have been certified sustainable through LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon-Safe programs.
