On Saturday, September 21st and Sunday, September 22nd, St Josef’s Winery will be celebrating its 37th Annual Grapestomping Festival.  One of Oregon’s Wine Pioneers, St Josef’s originated their fun harvest festival back in 1983 when there were less than 30 wineries in Oregon; now there are over 700.  The festival includes great wines, German music, house recipe sausage & kraut, and of course, lots of Grapestomping.  The festival began before the first micro-breweries were in Oregon and is the Northwest’s Original Grapestomping Event!

The Grapestomping started as proprietors, Josef & Lilli Fleischmann who emigrated from Germany, wanted to pass on a some harvest spirit to the burgeoning Oregon wine industry. Since working the vineyards and running a winery is a lot hard work, they believed it was important to start the busy “crush” season with a lighthearted approach. With lively music, local foods and of course, stomping grapes in a barrel.  It has grown to stomping in a 1200 gallon Oak barrel that holds the 20,000 glasses of wine, live music and house made foods in a casual, relaxed European atmosphere.

In addition to Grapestomping contests held throughout the day, the ‘Z-Musik Makers’ a great six-piece German Band will be performing from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.  Food includes St Josef’s own special house recipe German sausages & homemade sauerkraut, along with other locally made foods. New vintages and special reserve wines will be available by the glass, plus tours with the winemaker and tastings will occur throughout the day.