Morgan Creek Winery hosts annual Grape Stomp event
Published 11:28 am Monday, September 18, 2017
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A Lucy Look-Alike contest was the climax of the annual Grape Stomp event hosted by Morgan Creek Winery on Saturday, Sept. 16. (REPORTER PHOTOS/KEITH MCCOY)
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Finalist in the Lucy look-a-like contest.
Finalist in the Lucy look-a-like contest.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Contestants in the Lucy look-a-like contest at this years event.
Wine from the vinayard was available for purchase at this years event.
Wine from the vinayard was available for purchase at this years event.
Live music provided entertainment at this years event.
Live music provided entertainment at this years event.
Live music provided entertainment at this years event.
The harvester was running at this years event giving a demonstration of how the muscadines are picked.
The harvester was running at this years event giving a demonstration of how the muscadines are picked.
The wine press on the left was one of the first presses used at Morgan Creek Vineyards.
Charles Brammer gave tours of Morgan Creek Vineyard and explained the process and production quanity that Morgan Creek produces every year.
Charles Brammer gave tours of Morgan Creek Vineyard and explained the process and production quanity that Morgan Creek produces every year.
Charles Brammer gave tours of Morgan Creek Vineyard and explained the process and production quanity that Morgan Creek produces every year.
Wine tasting was provided giving attendees a sample of what Morgan Creek has to offer.
Wine tasting was provided giving attendees a sample of what Morgan Creek has to offer.
Wine tasting was provided giving attendees a sample of what Morgan Creek has to offer.
Wine tasting was provided giving attendees a sample of what Morgan Creek has to offer.
Wine tasting was provided giving attendees a sample of what Morgan Creek has to offer.
Wine tasting was provided giving attendees a sample of what Morgan Creek has to offer.
Wine tasting was provided giving attendees a sample of what Morgan Creek has to offer.
Wine tasting was provided giving attendees a sample of what Morgan Creek has to offer.
Kylie Martinez and Alex Carlee aree 2 of many volunteers that helped out with this years Grape Stomp Festival.
Kylie Martinez assist people for making footprints.
Hannah Suggs with her icey.
Johnathan Batson had a grin ear to ear when he got his hands on an icey.
HARPERSVILLE – Loyal visitors to Morgan Creek Winery for the annual Grape Stomp event on Saturday, Sept. 16, were treated to some new wine offerings this year.
In addition to the actual grape stomping, where guests get their feet dirty and create keepsakes to take home, the event includes wine tasting and wine sales.
Charles K. Brammer with the winery said cabernet sauvignon, pinot grigio, merlot, rose´and chardonnay were additions this year for visitors to try and purchase.
“Most of our wines we cater to the sweet tea and Coca-Cola drinker, but with these we’re catering to the more traditional wine drinkers,” Brammer said.
Morgan Creek Winery is known for its muscadine and fruit wines.
The band Bonus Round performed at the event throughout the day.
Food from Natch’s Barbecue of Childersburg was sold at the Grape Stomp, as were baked goods from Harpersville United Methodist Church.
The price of admission included grape stomping, wine sampling, tours of the winery and the chance to watch the event’s climax: a Lucy Look-Alike contest, where people dress up like the star of “I Love Lucy” and stomp grapes in front of the crowd.
Guests also had the opportunity to see the winery’s harvester machine in action.
Though the Grape Stomp is always held during harvesting season—the week before the event, about 100 tons of fruit was harvested—the machine is not always demonstrated because it is only needed a couple of times a year, Brammer said.
Sisters Bonnie Downs and Janice Thrash of Calera were two of the attendees who had already experienced the event, as a group of sisters were attending for the fourth year.
Their favorite part of the Grape Stomp is the live music and spending time with each other, they said.
“We just enjoy the time with our sisters,” Thrash said.
Downs added that though she was not participating in the Lucy Look-Alike contest this year, she had a strong showing the year she did compete.
“I came in second place that first year, but that was enough for me,” Downs said.
Visit ShelbyCountyPhotos.com to view and purchase photos from the event.