Julian Grape Stomp Festa Swings into Town in Sept.
By Amber Ward

Huge barrels of fresh grapes, ready to be stomped "old world style," await guests at the annual Grape Stomp Festa. Julian Journal file Photos

Every September, the Julian Chamber of Commerce celebrates the harvest of grapes with an authentic grape stomp. The 11th Annual Julian Grape Stomp Festa will take place Saturday, Sept. 1 at Menghini Winery.

You are invited to take off your shoes, climb into one of two large barrels of grapes, and stomp until your heart's content. There are several tons of grapes that need crushing and adults and children alike are encouraged to participate in this old-world-style grape stomp.

Accompanied by live Italian music by Roman Holiday, the festa will also feature dancing, a variety of foods and beverages, and wine tasting with several of Southern California's local wineries. There will also be crafts and other wares for sale and a Jumbo Jump for the kids.

Located at 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, the Julian Grape Stomp will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adult admission is $10 and includes a commemorative wineglass. Children 12 and under are $5, and children 5 and under are free.

Several tons of grapes will be crushed by day's end.

The Grape Stomp Festa is a Julian Chamber of Commerce fundraiser. All proceeds benefit Julian and help to fund marketing projects, town maintenance, events and historic preservation projects. For more information, call the Julian Chamber of Commerce at 760-765-1857 or e-mail chamber@julianca.com.

Members of the band Roman Holiday delight the crowd each year with their Italian music and dancing.