Often you will hear about wineries that have Grape Stomps that wine lovers can enjoy. We’ve visited several wineries that host these “Lucy” type events. However, we discovered an unusual twist to grape stomps.

Do you ever wonder what happens to the resulting crushed grapes? Perhaps thinking “What a waste to throw it all out?” Most wineries we have visited do not keep the juice to use for making wine.

However, we are aware of an exception to this waste of the juice. Balistreri Vineyards in Denver, Colorado has an Annual Harvest Party with a grape stomp for children ages twelve and under.  The crushed grapes resulting from the Children’s Grape Stomping are used to produce a wine called Little Feet Merlot. Parents can pre-purchase this wine and of course they tend to buy extra for when their children are adults. “A portion of the pre-sales of the 2010 Little Feet Merlot Benefit The Children’s Hospital Foundation.”

Sunday, October 3 is Balistreri Vineyards 8^th Annual Harvest Party. The Balistreri staff puts a lot of work into creating an experience for everyone. Besides the children’s grape stomp, this annual event features wine tasting samples, antipasti, artisan cheeses, wood-fired pizzas, pig roasts and desserts.

Proceeds from the Harvest Party will benefit CASA of Adams & Broomfield Counties?and?The Children’s Hospital Foundation. Plan on attending the Balistreri Harvest Party on October 3 and helping others in need.

You can visit the Balistreri Vineyards website and read an article about the winery on Wine Trail Traveler.

If you know of a winery that uses grape stomp juice to produce wine, let us know.

Cheers! Kathy