Ever wanted to stomp barefoot in a barrel of grapes like Lucy Ricardo? Grape stomp season in Fredericksburg runs from mid-August through early September, when local wineries open the vineyards for the annual harvest tradition.
Participate in Grape Stomping This Summer
Most Fredericksburg grape stomp events happen on weekends between August and early September, timed to the Hill Country harvest. Some are ticketed with food, music, and t-shirt souvenirs included, and others are free and first-come, first-served. Book any ticketed grape stomping in Fredericksburg, Texas, sessions in advance, since Saturday sessions sell out fast.
Our Favorite Grape Stomping Locations
Here are three Fredericksburg wineries worth stomping at this season.
Becker Vineyards
The area’s biggest free stomp event, held under a tent on the winery lawn, with no reservations needed. Kids can stomp alongside a parent, and souvenir t-shirts are available to stamp with their purple footprints.
- Location: 464 Becker Farms Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Phone: (830) 644-2681
- Dates: September 5-6, 2026, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Visit Becker Vineyards
Fat Ass Ranch & Winery
Don’t miss this ticketed event! Tickets include a t-shirt and your choice of a glass of wine, plus memories to last you a lifetime.
- Location: 51 Elgin-Behrends Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Phone: (830) 644-2300
- Dates: Every Saturday, August 22 through September 12, 2026
- Price: $35 adults, $20 youth
- Visit Fat Ass Ranch
Why Wineries Still Crush Grapes by Foot
Foot stomping is a centuries-old tradition that predates modern winemaking equipment, and there’s a reason it’s stuck around. Bare feet are gentler on the grapes than mechanical presses and don’t crack the seeds, which can release bitter tannins into the juice. Wineries keep the tradition alive as a nod to the craft and a way for guests to get hands-on (or feet-on) with the harvest.
What to Expect
Grape stomps are casual, hands-on events where you climb into a barrel or trough of freshly picked grapes and press them down with your bare feet. Most sessions last a few minutes per person and end with a purple footprint souvenir on a t-shirt.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Wear old clothes that can take a purple splatter
- Buy a blank t-shirt at the event and press your footprints on the back
- Soak the shirt in vinegar or salt water for a couple of days to set the stain, and skip the bleach
Book Your Fredericksburg Stay with Absolute Charm
Grape stomp weekends are some of the busiest of the year in Fredericksburg, so lock in a rental early. Browse our vacation rentals at Absolute Charm!
