Fall Creek Vineyards grape stomp gets squishy
Stomping on Grapes at Fall Creek Vineyards in Tow, TX
Having seen one too many YouTube videos of what can happen if you aren’t careful, I very gingerly stepped into the big barrel full of grapes at Fall Creek Vineyards Grape Stomp last Saturday.
Shockingly cold at first, the grapes squished under my feet, wedging themselves in between my toes. (Although stomping is the traditional method used by Old World wineries to prepare their grapes, none of the grapes I squished will be used in ANY wine at Fall Creek.)
After all the hard work that comes with dancing around in a vat of wine-to-be, I needed to taste the fruits of my labor. I grabbed a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and pulled up a seat under the air misters. While the band played Texas swing music, I chatted with the folks from Fall Creek.
Apparently the owners of Fall Creek, the Aulers, started the wine industry in Texas. Just talking to them, it’s easy to feel their passion for wine with fellow Texans.
Bill Rives of Fall Creek Vineyards pours a glass of Sauvignon Blanc
I also chatted with Bill Rives, the Director of National Markets, about the wines and the winery. Thinking I was one of those MSM folks, he was initially skeptical of me. But after I told him that I just wanted to have a good time, he began to warm up. It was then that I discovered what the Harvest Festival is really celebrating: the end of the hard work of growing the grapes and the beginning of the fun time of making wine. Well, and also hopefully making some new fans for Fall Creek in the process.
After paying $4 for a tasting of six wines, I was a convert. My favorites were the Sauvignon Blanc (we bought a bottle) and the world renowned Meritus. (Bill sneaked us a taste and we LOVED it!) A glorious blend of red grapes, the earthy, chocolate flavor left us craving a bottle of that, too!
We also enjoyed a delicious Chef’s demonstration luncheon with wine pairings. San Antonio-based chef Michael Flores created a Mediterranean and Mexican fusion dish of pork with couscous and lemon preserves.
The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying the live music, taking a hay ride through the freshly harvested vines, and watching my 4-year old on the bouncy castle. Oh, and that bottle of Sauvignon Blanc on the patio was yum!
Fall Creek Vineyards Grape Stomp
All in all, it was a terrific afternoon that gave me a new appreciation for Texas wines and especially Fall Creek Vineyards. There are lots of wine festivals and grape stomps in the Austin area, but I really felt a connection with the people who own and operate Fall Creek. And could there be a more fun way to cool off from this insane Texas heat than by stomping grapes?
The Fall Creek Vineyards Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp continues this weekend. Take the drive out to Tow, TX , and meet Bill and the Aulers. You’ll be glad you did!
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