33rd Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp
October 3, 2026
On October 3, 2026, the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance welcomed teams to Murphys Community Park for the 33rd Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp. Since 1993, this cherished tradition has drawn competitors from across the United States and, this year, from overseas as well. Held on the first Saturday of every October, the event is a lively celebration of community pride, teamwork, and good-natured rivalry. It also does good: proceeds from the silent auction fund the Alliance’s high school scholarship program and support local nonprofits throughout Calaveras County.
The day came together thanks to the hard work and leadership of Matt and Valerie Hatcher, Scott Hancock, and the teams at Hatcher Winery and School Street Wines, along with Scott Klann and his crew from Newsome Harlow Wines and Ten by Ten Wines. A devoted group of volunteers, including Michelle Roman, Jason Brown, Carrie Nelson, Ron Dwelley, Jaime Dowell, and many more, helped keep everything running smoothly, and community groups such as the Bret Harte Football Team and Bret Harte FFA lent their support as well. In all, 120 teams took to the grapes in pursuit of the title of Grape Stomp Champion.
Doug Brown President’s Cup
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Each year, the Winery Heat brings out some of the day’s fiercest and most entertaining competition, as at least ten local winery teams go head to head for the prestigious Doug Brown Presidents Cup. This friendly rivalry is a crowd favorite, and this year was no exception. Matt and Valerie Hatcher of team Hatcher Winery (right), sponsored by Hatcher Winery, once again claimed the title, taking home the Presidents Cup with an impressive 4.340 pounds of juice. Scott and Tammy Hancock of team School Street (middle), sponsored by School Street, earned second place with 3.334 pounds, while Richard Ingraham and Cindy Juliano of team Cork Fungus (left), sponsored by Gossamer Cellars, secured third with 2.879 pounds.
Hall of Fame Inductee
The Calaveras Grape Stomp Hall of Fame, founded in 2013, celebrates individuals and teams whose passion and dedication have elevated the event. Every year, a dedicated group of volunteers gives their time, energy, and muscle to make the Grape Stomp possible, and this year’s Hall of Fame honoree was no exception. Since the late 1990s, the event has relied on these volunteers to keep the grapes moving and the juice flowing. They bring the same teamwork and hustle to volunteering that they bring to the field, a reminder that character is built off the field as much as on it. The crowd gave a big Grape Stomp welcome to the newest members of the Hall of Fame, the Bret Harte Football Team!
Best Costumes
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.
Best Team
1. Stomping Wine-Five (Kristi Lynden and Becca Ling)
2. Tiger King Estate (Kevin Belluomini and Pam Smith)
3. Sweet Child of Wine (Sean Lynden and Ben King)
Best Theme
1. Bordeaux Bandits – The Barrel Bandits (Zoe Skognes and Julie Christie), Sip Squad (Alyssa Avey and Kerrie Griffith), Sauvignon Scoundrels (Caryn Allen and Meghan Green), Stomp and Rob (Jaime McMillan and Katy Gilpin Powers), and Rosé Ransackers (Paige Scalisi and Jennifer Christensen)
2. Dollywood & Vine (Aaron Boring and Torey Rice)
3. Albert Einstomp (Sebastian Vargas and Torsten Nybo) and Grape Minds Think Alike (Cheri and Pete Diaz)
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 2nd, 2027!
Despite the heat, spirits stayed high all day, and the finals drew one of the liveliest crowds in years. Dwelley Devastators Team 1 was going for a three-peat, but Fresno 55 Wine took the championship for the first time, edging them out by just 0.061 pounds of juice.
Brent and Madison of Fresno 55 Wine claimed first place with 12.715 pounds of juice. Eddie and Erica of Dwelley Devastators Team 1 finished second with 12.654 pounds, and Matt and Valerie of Hatcher Winery rounded out the podium in third with 10.546 pounds.
For Brent, the win carries a family legacy. He was a young boy when his dad, Alan Hofman, competed in and won the very first stomp alongside teammate Ron Lawrence. Alan and Ron, known as the Cluster Busters, became the first team inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. This year, Brent and his wife, Madison, claimed the title themselves while their son, about the same age Brent was when he first watched his dad compete, cheered them on from the crowd. It was a special reminder of how a love for the competition can be passed down from generation to generation.
Murphys Historic Hotel, Hatcher Winery, Jordan Oaks Vineyard, Brice Station Vineyards, Greenhorn Creek Resort, Ironstone Vineyards, OARS Rafting, Frog's Tooth Winery, Milliaire Winery, Black Sheep Winery, Ali's Eats, Susie Hoffman, Lila and Sage Catering Company, Newsome Harlow Wines, Creative Cookware, Broll Mountain Vineyards, Locke Vineyards, Stevenot Winery, Holley Hill Vineyards, Hinterhaus Distilling, Books on Main, Murphys Pourhouse, Gossamer Cellars, Lavedner Ridge Vineyards, Marisolio Tasting Bar, The Spice Tin
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.