Grape stomping in the Hunter Valley: Places you can experience it
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Grape stomping in the Hunter Valley can be a fun activity to experience. It is all about crushing the grapes in the traditional way to make wines. Grape stomping is done by repeatedly trampling the grapes in a vat by barefoot participants rather than crushing them in a wine press. The grape juice thus released is fermented to make flavourful wines.
Grape stomping in the Hunter Valley
Grape stomping has been a part of the ancient art of winemaking. One can trace back its presence in ancient Roman history. So, if you also want to try your hands, or rather legs, in this age-old tradition of grape stomping make sure to reserve a session in advance. There are quite a few wineries in the Hunter Valley that offers yearly or seasonal grape stomping session.
You don’t really have to do much to experience it and we highly recommend adding to your best things to do in the Hunter Valley basket. You would need to book for the grape stomping session, reach the destination on time, open your shoes, clean your feet and jump right into the oak barrels of grapes. But before you can do so, read us on to learn about the wineries that offer grape stomping in the Hunter Valley.
Places where you can stomp grapes in the Hunter Valley
Glandore Estate Wines
Established in 2005, Glandore Estate Wines not only offer quality wines coming directly from their wine cellar but also the opportunity to discover the art of winemaking. You can book your slot for their annual Glandore Picking Day on the last weekend in January. On this day, you can have a fun day filled with activities like grape picking, stomping, and crushing. There is more to it! You can also enjoy breakfast, 12.30 pm Canapes followed by a gourmet meal, and matching wines amongst the barrels in the winery.
Charges:
Cellarhands: $135; Guests: $150;
Kids: Under 04 years old are Free; Under 18 is $50 per head
Email: lachlan@glandorewines.com for more information and to confirm.
Booking: Tickets go on sale in December
Peter Drayton Wines
Peter Drayton Wines is another place to enjoy grape stomping in the Hunter Valley. This place organises its annual Grape Stomp in the month of February. Apart from stomping the grapes, you can also participate in grape picking, and bottling the wine. What more? You can also enjoy a sumptuous Buffet Breakfast, paired with sparkling wine and craft beer. Bring kids along as they can enjoy live music, and games.
Charges (approx.): Adults: $85; Wine Club VIP $75; Children 10-17 years $45; Children under 10 are free.
Website for further inquiries: www.pdwines.com.au
Brokenwood Wines
Brokenwood Wines organise it’s annual Get Your Hands Dirty event in February every year. The mission of this place is to ‘make great wine and have fun and you can surely feel this during their annual grape-stomping event. At this event, wine enthusiasts can jump right into the large grape barrel and experience the art of grape stomping personally. This event is followed by a sumptuous alfresco lunch in the winery.
Charges (approx.): $200
Email: shelby@brokenwood.com.au
Hunter Valley Resort
At the Hunter Valley Resort, you can enjoy the art of grape stomping, just like European winemakers. What more? You can get the experience under the open sky, amid a lush green setting. Your tour will start with the Hunter Wine Theatre, followed by the “Structure” of wine, where the wine master will take you through some of Hunter’s best wines. Finally, you will reach the vineyard, where you can stomp and crush the grapes in large oak barrels. The grape stomping experience in this resort takes up to 1 ½ hour and will surely uplift your soul and mind.
Charges: A$35 per person (Cost is subject to seasonal grape availability)
Email: events@hunterresort.com.au
Booking: Must be done a minimum of 24 hours before the arrival date. A minimum of 10 people is required for the event to take place.
Grape stomping at Bonvilla Estate
The Bovilla Estate is another great stop for grape stomping if you travel to Hunter Valley during the first week of February. In 2023, they planned to have the grape stomping event on 5th February (Sunday). Pack your boots and be ready to experience the joys of hand-picking in our vines. You will then get the opportunity to stomp the grapes you have picked. With the work complete, we invite you to join a nourishing feast with matching wines overlooking our beautiful vineyard in our newly renovated cellar door. Please check their website for prices and updates.
Book here – https://bonvillaestate.com.au/events-hunter-valley/
Final note due to Covid restrictions – the above Hunter Valley wineries offered grape stomping experience when we inquire pre-Covid. However, the pandemic has changed things around, and highly recommend contacting the above wineries before you head on a Hunter Valle wine tour from Sydney.
If you would like to book a Hunter Valley tour – click here.
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