31st Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp
October 5, 2024
On October 5th, 2024, the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance hosted the 31st Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp, a cherished event that has brought teams from all over the U.S. together since 1993. This lively competition, held every first Saturday of October in the Murphys Community Park, is not only about winning the title of Grape Stomp Champions but also supports local causes. This year's auction raised over $11,000 which will benefit the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance’s (CWA) high school scholarship program and community organizations.
Matt and Valerie Hatcher, Scott Hancock, and their dedicated teams from Hatcher Winery and School Street Wines, along with Scott Klann and his team at Newsome Harlow Wines and Ten by Ten Wines, played key roles in organizing the event with help from volunteers like Joey Brown, Michelle Roman, Jason Brown, Carrie Nelson, Ron Dwelley, and many more and groups such as Bret Harte Football Team and Oakendell Community School. 110 teams competed for the honors of being Grape Stomp Champions.
Kids Exhibition
A new addition to this year’s event was the Kids Exhibition, which kicked off the festivities with four brave teams stepping up to stomp for the first time and entertain the crowd. In fourth place were Thomas and Jacob from The Outsides with 0.92 pounds of juice, followed by Judd and Jake from the Houle Brothers in third with 1.22 pounds. Kasen and Klyde of team Pin ‘Em to Wine ‘Em took second place with 1.37 pounds, but the top spot went to Chase and Sadie from team Mucker Truckers Juniors, who crushed it with an impressive 3.07 pounds of juice! We can’t wait to see these young stompers return next year with even more experience under their belts.
Doug Brown President’s Cup
A highlight of the event was the Winery Heat, where twelve teams competed for the prestigious Doug Brown President’s Cup. In a nail-biting finish, only 0.07 pounds of juice separated the top two teams. Matt and Valerie from Hatcher Winery claimed the Cup with 7.31 pounds, while Ricky and Cat of Cork Fungus (sponsored by Gossamer Cellars) took second with 7.24 pounds. Reigning champions Scott and Tammy from School Street, sponsored by Hatcher Winery, came in third with 6.75 pounds.
Hall of Fame Inductee
The Calaveras Grape Stomp Hall of Fame, established in 2013, honors individuals and teams who have shown exceptional commitment to the event. This year, Greg Wright was inducted for his many years of service. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 for Outstanding Team, Greg’s journey began with a team victory in 2009, and since then, he has been involved in everything from stage setup to crafting the iconic frog and grape stage stanchions. His tireless contributions have left a lasting impact on the event, making him a well-deserved Hall of Fame inductee.
Best Costume
Costumes are a fun and creative part of the Grape Stomp, with teams competing for the crowd-voted Best Costume award. Last year’s winners, Kenneth and Liam from Ironstone Vineyards (The Ron Burgundys), returned as the Pinot N-Warios, taking third place. Ursula’s Vine Villains made a splash, earning second place, but the crowd favorite was Pinot Fiction, who won Best Costume with their movie-themed outfits.
Bullfrog Power
A true Cinderella story unfolded this year with two Bret Harte High School football players, Aok and Carson, who stepped in last-minute to compete in the 10:00 AM heat. Despite coming off a night of Homecoming celebrations, they won their heat with 6.19 pounds of juice, securing a spot in the semi-finals. Representing Team Freaky Floppers, the duo showcased their Bullfrog Power by advancing to the finals, where they finished an impressive fifth as first-time stompers!
And The Winner Is…
This year’s competition was incredibly tight, with only 2.21 pounds of juice separating first and tenth place in the semi-finals. However, one team emerged as the clear winner. The Dwelley Devastators Team 1 dominated the finals, crushing the competition with 17.17 pounds of juice to become the 2024 Grape Stomp Champions! They were followed by Dwelley Devastators Team 3 with 15.67 pounds, and Hatcher Winery rounded out the top three with 15.37 pounds. Both Dwelley teams were sponsored by longtime timer Ron Dwelley. View the full results HERE.
Think you have what it takes to challenge the champions? Mark your calendars for next year’s Grape Stomp on October 4th, 2025!
Thank You To Our Sponsors and Supporters
Ali's Eats, Allegorie Wines, Angels Camp Museum, Angels Mexican Kitchen, Angels Theatre, Bear Valley Adventure Company, Bear Valley Music Festival, Black Sheep Winery, Blooms and Things, Blue Mountain Hideaway, Books on Main, Boyle MacDonald Wines, Brice Station Vineyards, Broll Mountain Vineyards, Creative Cookware, Frog's Tooth Winery, Gabbys Cuisine, Greenhorn Creek Resort, Grounds Restaurant, Hair by Erinn, Hatcher Winery, Heart and Soul Country Kitchen, Hinterhaus Distilling, Holley Hill Vineyard, Hovey Winery, Ironstone Vineyards, Jazz Cellars, Jordan Oaks Vineyard, Justin Dollar with JG Dollar & Associates, Knights of the Long Ash Cigar Lounge, Kristines Clothing, Lila and Sage Cake and Catering Company, Linda Lawrence, Locke Vineyards, Lush Picnics and Provisions, Marisolio Tasting Bar, Middletons Hallmark Shop, Milliaire Winery, Moke Hill Nuts and Candies, Moon Alley, Murphys Dog Store, Murphys Grade, Murphys Pourhouse, Murphys Suites, Murphys Treasures, Murphys Vacation Homes, Newsome Harlow Wines, OARS, On the Lake Kayak Rentals, Pickled Porch Cafe, Posterity Ciderworks, Raindance Design, Sequoia Woods Country Club, Sierra Hills Market, Sierra Nevada Adventure Co., Stevenot Winery, Sweetwater Photography / The Image Co-Op, Tanner Vineyards, The Blundell / Gates Family, The Golf Club at Copper Valley, The House of Pita, The Independent Mercantile, The Spice Tin, The Victoria Inn, The Watering Hole, Turners Wild West, Twisted Oak Winery, Villa Vallecito Vineyards, Vina Moda
ABOUT THE CALAVERAS GRAPE STOMP & HARVEST CELEBRATION
This annual celebration of the Calaveras Wine Region Grape Harvest takes place on the first Saturday of October at Murphys Community Park. Hosted by the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance, this event started in 1993 and is now the Oldest & Largest Grape Stomp in California! This community event has become an annual tradition for families and friends to gather for a weekend of wine fun. 120 Stomp Teams of two compete for the title of "Top Stompers" on the big stage and for a good cause as a portion of the auction proceeds benefit community groups and the high school scholarships program. Attendees enjoy wine by the glass and bottle, food vendors and entertainment as well as the annual Grape Stomp Auction where winning bidders can take home incredible wine packs and adventure certificates. Feeney Park also hosts the "Gold Rush Street Faire" the same day featuring Live Music, Art & Craft Booths, and Family-Fun Activities.