32nd Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp
October 4, 2025
On October 4, 2025, the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance hosted the 32nd Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp, a beloved tradition that has welcomed teams from across the United States since 1993. Held every year on the first Saturday of October in Murphys Community Park, this spirited competition celebrates community pride, teamwork, and a healthy dose of friendly rivalry. More importantly, it also gives back. Proceeds from the silent auction support the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance’s high school scholarship program along with local nonprofit organizations throughout Calaveras County.
The event is made possible through the hard work and leadership of Matt and Valerie Hatcher, Scott Hancock and the team at Hatcher Winery and School Street Wines, as well as Scott Klann and his team from Newsome Harlow Wines and Ten by Ten Wines. They were joined by a dedicated group of volunteers including Joey Brown, Michelle Roman, Jason Brown, Carrie Nelson, Ron Dwelley, Jaime Dowell and many others, along with support from community groups such as the Bret Harte Football Team and Oakendell Community School. A total of 120 teams competed for the coveted title of Grape Stomp Champions.
Doug Brown President’s Cup
A highlight of the event each year is the Winery Heat, where ten winery teams compete for the prestigious Doug Brown Presidents Cup. This friendly rivalry among local wineries is a crowd favorite and brings out some of the fiercest and most entertaining competition of the day. This year, Matt and Valerie of team Hatcher Winery once again claimed the title, taking home the Presidents Cup with an impressive 7.07 pounds of juice. Scott and Tammy of team School Street Wines earned second place with 5.64 pounds, while Ricky and Jen of team Cork Fungus, sponsored by Gossamer Cellars, secured third with 4.06 pounds, narrowly edging out Chad and Mark from team Stevenot Grape Treaders by just 0.03 pounds.
Hall of Fame Inductees
The Calaveras Grape Stomp Hall of Fame, founded in 2013, celebrates individuals and teams whose passion and dedication have elevated the event year after year. This year’s Outstanding Volunteer award was given to someone who is not only a fierce competitor on stomp day, but also the driving force behind the scenes that makes it all possible.
In the weeks leading up to the event, he is building the stomp barrels, loading and transporting tables and chairs, assembling the stage and sound system, and then taking it all down once the celebration concludes. His tireless work, steady presence, and deep commitment ensure that every detail is set for success.
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We proudly honor and thank Scott Hancock for his years of dedication, generosity, and unwavering support of Grape Stomp. The event simply would not be the same without him.​
For more than fifteen years the Dwelley Devastators had stomped their way into the spotlight, leaving a wake of crushed barrels and an impressive number of Finals appearances behind them. With their second Championship secured in 2024, it was no surprise that this year’s Hall of Fame award for Outstanding Performance was presented to Eddie and Erica Dwelley of the Dwelley Devastators. Their determination, teamwork, and pure stomp power had made them the team to watch and the team to beat year after year.
Dedicated to Dave Gallagher
This year’s Grape Stomp was dedicated to one of our longtime volunteers, Dave Gallagher, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Dave had been far more than a helping hand at the Stomp. He had led the Frog Condo at the Frog Jump, assisted Ron with pre Fair promotions, and generously gave his time to countless other community events. In 2024 his dedication was recognized when he was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Calaveras Chamber of Commerce. Guests stomped a little harder, cheered a little louder, and raised a glass in his honor.
Best Costume
The costume contest remains one of the most colorful and entertaining highlights of Grape Stomp, bursting with creativity, humor, and personality. Teams arrive in everything from clever themed group outfits to beautifully crafted handmade designs, turning the park into a lively parade of artistry and fun. Each year, participants raise the bar even higher, showing that Grape Stomp is as much about imagination and showmanship as it is about stomping grapes.
This year, Elvis brought the groves to life, and teams Grapeland 1 (Erin and Steven) and Grapeland 2 (Steven and Zach) took home the top honors for Best Costume. Second place went to Sip Me Baby One More Time (Sean and Julio), while third place was shared by Saving Grapes One Glass at a Time — featuring Cabernet Coast Patrol (Zoe and Julie), Pour Patrol (Caryn and Alyssa), and Cab and Sav to the Rescue (Jaime and Paige). Fourth place went to team Decant Touch This (Kristi and Becca), rounding out a truly memorable showcase of creativity and fun.
And The Winner Is…
Think you have what it takes to challenge the champions? Mark your calendars for next year’s Grape Stomp on October 3rd, 2026!
Eddie and Erica of team Dwelley Devastators Team 1, proudly sponsored by Ron Dwelley, delivered an absolutely dominant performance to once again claim the title of Grape Stomp Champions with a remarkable 18.99 pounds of juice. Their back to back victory cemented their reputation as the team to beat and kept the crowd cheering from start to finish.
Scott and Tammy of team School Street earned an impressive second place finish with 15.26 pounds, followed closely by Matt and Valerie representing team Hatcher Winery, who secured third place with 14.57 pounds. The competition was fierce, the energy was high, and each team brought their A game, setting the tone for another unforgettable grape stomp showdown.
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Ali's Eats, Angels Camp Museum, Bear Valley Music Festival, Bear Valley Resort, Books on Main, Boyle MacDonald Wines, Brice Station Vineyards, Broll Mountain Vineyards, Copper Valley Development, Creative Cookware, Frog's Tooth Winery, Gossamer Cellars, Grounds Restaurant, Hinterhaus Distilling, Holley Hill Vineyard, Hovey Winery, Indian Rock Vineyards, Ironstone Vineyards, Jazz Cellars, Jordan Oak Vineyard, Justin Dollar with JG Dollar and Associates, Kristine's Clothing, La Folia Winery, Lavender Ridge Vineyards, Lila and Sage Catering Company, Locke Vineyards, Marisolio Tasting Bar, Milliaire Winery, Murphys Acupuncture Holistic Medicine, Murphys Historic Hotel, Murphys Irish Pub, Murphys Treasures, Murphys Vacation Homes, Native Sons of the Golden West Chispa Parlor 139, Shirt Tales, Stories In Stones, Susie Hoffman, Tanner Vineyards, The Glass Life by Urone, The Spice Tin, The Watering Hole, 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.