The harvest season has arrived and it’s time for grape stomping
competitions at Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards, (19239 US-27, Clermont, FL 34715). This event is perfect for a family outing. Listen to
continuous live music the entire weekend by superb local musicians.
Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks, and a variety of food is available for
purchase, along with complimentary winery tours and tasting.
The long line for stomping wound back and forth under the shade of the event tent. Anticipation built as we made our way to the front of the line. Grapes were loaded into each of the barrels and a spigot would empty the resulting juices into a plastic cup. Pam Schwartz is very competitive, but I have bigger feet. The stomping began with all the excitement of a Kentucky Derby horse race. Though stomping vigorously, I wasn’t getting much juice run off. Of the 8 or 9 competitors, Pam had the largest run off collected by far. The latter explained that the most important thing to do is to sweep away all the solid grape guts from the siphon inside the barrel. Every few stomps she would sweep the siphon clean allowing the juices to flow. My take was pitiful in comparison. The judge took a photo of us holding our juices in mugs. At home the next week I photo shopped a much bigger mug in my hand overflowing with juice. Pam wasn’t impressed with my handy work.
We took a wine tasting tour and relaxed for the afternoon listening to music on the main stage. The couple next to us gave travel advice. Food available was comparable to fairground vendors.
Catch this year’s stomp on:
August 15, 2018 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
August 16, 2018 11:00 am – 05:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult Admission – $10
Children 12 and under – FREE
Grape Stomping all ages – Included with entry fee.
A portion of the proceeds go to support the Alzheimer’s Family Organization