August 10th – Each August in Napa Valley, wine enthusiasts from near and far are invited to join the region’s grape growers, vineyard managers and vintners for the wine-country, modern-day equivalent of a barn raising, the annual Harvest STOMP. Hosted by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, the event is rooted in the ideals of family and friendship. “It brings together multiple generations to enjoy each other’s company before the crush of harvest while raising funds to support the long-term sustainability of Napa Valley as a premier winegrowing region,” says David R. Duncan, second-generation proprietor of Silver Oak, host and chair of this year’s STOMP.
“Born and raised here, I grew up alongside many of my fellow growers,” says Silver Oak VP of Winegrowing, Nate Weis, a Napa native and second-generation winemaker, “and we share an understanding of this region and our role as its stewards. Many assume the Napa Valley wine industry to be a very competitive place, but our parents succeeded by sharing information and resources—from tractors to vine cuttings to research—and working together to ensure the highest and best use of this very special place. So, we’re committed to the long-term success and sustainability of Napa Valley agriculture as a whole. Harvest STOMP is critical for supporting that.”
This year’s Harvest STOMP will be held at Silver Oak, located in Oakville. While the festivities and live auction are invitation only and sell out each year, its eAuction allows wine lovers everywhere access to rare wines and singular experiences that can’t be found or bought elsewhere, donated by growers, winery owners and community supporters. A few of this year’s offerings:
For your cellar:
Bottle No. oo1 of Scarecrow Wines Toto’s Opium Dream
Scarecrow Wines offers the opportunity to own a wine made exclusively from the single best block of its historic Rutherford vineyard: bottle number .oo1 of its limited-edition 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Toto’s Opium Dream 2016. Only 200 bottles were produced, sourced from the estate’s “Old Men Vines,” which were planted in 1945 and constitute the backbone of Scarecrow. The Wine Advocate awarded the 2016 Scarecrow 100 points, and this bottling reflects the purest expression of this legendary estate. Your 750ml bottle is hand numbered, presented in a handcrafted black walnut box adorned with a mother-of-pearl poppy, and lined in exquisite dove gray leather.
One-of-a Kind Experiences
Cakebread Cellars Private Cooking Class and Lunch for 12
In celebration of its 50th anniversary this year, Cakebread Cellars is offering your group of 12 a delightful day in the Cakebread Cellars kitchen working alongside the winery’s convivial chefs to learn the tips, tricks, and techniques for some favorite winery recipes. The day includes a tour of the gardens, vineyards, and winery; the hands-on cooking class; a wine and hors d’oeuvre reception; a multi-course luncheon perfectly paired with wines from the cellar; and a booklet of the recipes to take home.
Sonoma Raceway Karting for 8
If you ever wondered what it felt like to race the 12 turns and elevation changes of the road course at Sonoma Raceway, here’s your opportunity. Enjoy a half-day private karting session, courtesy of Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President Jill Gregory. Your driving experience includes professional instruction, race-prepared karts, and safety gear.
This eAuction opens for bidding August 17 at 8pm PT and closes Aug 24 at 8pm PT. For information on lots and bidding, visit HarvestSTOMP2023.ggo.bid/.
Proceeds from Harvest STOMP support both organizations, which work side-by side, to provide education that supports the preservation of ag land, and addresses fire, water, soil and climate concerns as well as support and promote Napa Valley’s vineyard workers with education and professional development, including adult literacy, management training, and mentorship programs to foster the next generation of industry leaders.
“We’re not a large organization, but the collaboration and the mentorship offered through the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation are amazing,” says David. “Harvest STOMP allows us to create programs and resources specifically for those in agriculture, from growers to farmworkers, and offers the education and professional development needed to succeed now and to lay the groundwork for generations to come.”
About the Napa Valley Grapegrowers
For nearly 50 years, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, has played a vital role in strengthening Napa Valley’s reputation as a world-class viticultural region. Its mission is to cultivate viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship for the Napa Valley, and it represents 685 Napa County grape growers and associated businesses. For more information, visit Napa Valley Grapegrowers and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
About the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation
Founded by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers in 2011, the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation supports and promotes Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through education and professional development. It is the first organization of its kind in the U.S., providing educational opportunities, advanced training programs, leadership and management classes, English literacy programs, and more. To date, the Farmworker Foundation has offered education and professional development opportunities to more than 23,000 vineyard workers and their families. For more information, visit Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
