Top 10 Places to Do Wine Stomping in Summer Worldwide

Discover the top wine-stomping destinations this summer—from Tuscany to Mendoza. Uncork unforgettable adventures with our ultimate travel guide to the world’s most scenic grape-stomping spots.

Wine stomping—also known as grape treading—is more than just a festive activity; it’s a cherished cultural tradition. This ancient method of crushing grapes barefoot has largely been replaced by modern machinery, but its nostalgic charm lives on in vineyards and festivals around the world. From Europe’s storied estates to the vibrant vineyards of the Southern Hemisphere, summer is the season for wine, laughter, and time-honoured rituals. In this guide, we spotlight 10 spectacular destinations where you can experience the joy of grape stomping, feet first.

1. Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is a wine lover’s paradise—rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and timeless villages where traditions endure. Here, wine stomping isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a treasured ritual passed down through generations. Each September, during the Chianti harvest, family-run vineyards host traditional stomping festivals that invite visitors to immerse themselves in authentic Tuscan country life. Picture yourself barefoot in oak barrels, crushing grapes while sipping vintages from previous harvests. These lively celebrations come complete with folk music, pasta feasts, and olive oil tastings—a true feast for the senses.
Bonus experience: Visit medieval cities like San Gimignano, attend a cooking class, or ride a Vespa on sunflower-lined roads.

2. Napa Valley, California, USA
Napa Valley offers a unique blend of luxury and authenticity that’s hard to match. During Crush Season (August to October), vineyards like Grgich Hills Estate invite guests to stomp grapes and even create personalised wine labels with their grape-stained footprints. Open vats, harvest parties, vineyard concerts, and curated tastings fill the valley with festive energy. Add to that the charm of Napa’s iconic wine train and its elegant lodges, and you have the perfect mix of rustic fun and refined relaxation.

Don’t miss: Calistoga spa getaways, Michelin-level cuisine, and hot air ballooning over the valley.

3. Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal’s Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions, is the birthplace of the iconic Port wine. Here, winemaking runs deep, and the centuries-old tradition of lagarada—rhythmic grape stomping in massive granite tanks—comes alive each September during harvest. At the region’s scenic quintas (estates), visitors are welcomed with the soulful sounds of Fado, hearty Portuguese cuisine, and the rare chance to stomp grapes alongside seasoned locals.

Experience more: Board a river cruise to visit the Douro, find the baroque churches and enjoy aged ports at top cellars in Porto.

4. La Rioja, Spain
La Rioja is a wine-producing northern Spanish region famous for its Tempranillo wines. The city of Logroño hosts the San Mateo Wine Festival annually in September. The streets are full of wine barrels, food stalls, dancing, and yes, grape stomping. People wear traditional costumes, and the first juice obtained by stomping grapes is poured on religious statues as a token of gratitude.

Just two hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley hosts its vibrant harvest festival in March and April, blending time-honoured traditions with modern trends like wine yoga and vineyard glamping. As one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, it offers a unique mix of heritage and innovation. Grape-stomping events at family-owned wineries are a highlight, complete with wine tastings, gourmet food stalls, and even foot massages to reward your stomping efforts.
Explore more: Visit Rioja wine Museums and cathedrals, or take a walk on part of the Camino de Santiago.

5. Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch, just a couple of hours from Cape Town, is widely regarded as the wine capital of South Africa. While known for its acclaimed wines, the region’s passionate producers have also mastered brandies, muscats, ports, and muscatel brandies. During the harvest season (February to March), vineyards come alive with grape-stomping competitions as part of larger wine festivals. Expect lively bands, art exhibitions, local culinary delights, and expertly curated wine pairings. It’s a spirited celebration of South African hospitality—relaxed, dynamic, and utterly unforgettable.
Must do: Go to wildlife reserves, eat in Cape Malay cuisine, or hike Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

6. Hunter Valley, Australia

Just two hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley hosts its vibrant harvest festival in March and April, blending time-honoured traditions with modern trends like wine yoga and vineyard glamping. As one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, it offers a unique mix of heritage and innovation. Grape-stomping events at family-owned wineries are a highlight, complete with wine tastings, gourmet food stalls, and even foot massages to reward your stomping efforts.

More fun: Kangaroo watching, chocolate and wine matching, and cooking schools in Pokolbin.

7. Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux stands as the epitome of global winemaking excellence. During the late summer vendange (harvest), several prestigious châteaux open their doors to guests for exclusive grape-stomping experiences. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the craft of winemaking in one of the world’s most elite wine regions. These intimate sessions often include insights from top vintners on terroir, fermentation, and the subtle nuances between grape varieties.

Experience more: Visit the Cité du Vin Museum, go on cycling tours, or visit the Médoc castles.

8. Santorini, Greece
Not only is the volcanic island of Santorini picturesque, but it also has ancient winemaking traditions. The Asyrtiko grape does well in its ashy land. In August, villages such as Megalochori have stomping festivals, during which the locals and tourists congregate for the harvest celebration. The stomping is done in old stone vats, Greek dances, a mezze platter, and Ouzo shots follow it.

Island adventures: Watch the sunset in Oia, visit some wine museums, or sunbathe on the gorgeous black sand beaches.

9. Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital, rests at the foot of the majestic Andes and is renowned for its world-class Malbecs. Each March, thousands gather for the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia—a vibrant, week-long celebration featuring grape-stomping contests, vineyard parades, and regional music performances. The blend of breathtaking scenery, festive spirit, and exceptional wines makes Mendoza one of the most sought-after destinations for wine-stomping experiences.

Top attractions: Horseback riding in vineyards, adventure trekking in the Andes and visiting the thermal hot springs.
10. Mosel Valley, Germany
Germany’s Mosel Valley, famed for its Rieslings, comes alive in summer with charming wine festivals set in fairy-tale towns. In villages like Bernkastell-Kues, intimate grape-stomping events are often woven into broader cultural celebrations. Here, it’s less about revelry and more about honouring tradition, offering a glimpse into how vintners craft delicate white wines by hand on the region’s steep, storied slopes.
Bonus stops: Cruise the Mosel River, explore the medieval ruins, and taste the apple wine in the neighbouring villages.

Wine Stomping: Why you should give it a chance
Immersive cultural experience: Engage with local customs
Fun & social: Perfect for meeting new friends or bonding with old ones.
Relaxing: Crushing grapes barefoot is therapeutic.
Educational: Learn the fundamentals of winemaking directly from expert vintners.
Tips Before You Go
Book ahead during harvest season.
Bring towels and extra clothes.
Verify whether the grapes are for eating or for experience only.
Follow hygiene protocols
Respect traditions and event rules

FAQs
Does one still make wine by crushing grapes between one’s feet?
Stomping is now mostly ceremonial or tourism-oriented, but a few small wineries still use this technique for special blends.
Is it safe and hygienic?
Yes, but grapes stomped at the events are not, as a rule, subjected to commercial production.
Can children participate?
Kids are allowed in most vineyards at family-safe events. Always confirm beforehand.
In which country do we have the most wine stomping events?
Italy and Spain are countries with the most traditional stomping festivals.
What is the price of admission?
Prices will vary from $10> to $100+ BB based on location and inclusions (tastings, tours, food, etc).