Purple Feet, Good Times

Carlos Creek Winery’s annual Grape Stomp is one of Alexandria’s biggest single-day events, drawing thousands of people to the winery grounds every September. It’s part harvest festival, part outdoor concert, part friendly competition — and entirely a good time.

The Stomp

Teams compete to see who can stomp the most juice out of grapes in a set amount of time. It’s exactly as messy and entertaining as it sounds. You can sign up a team or just watch and laugh. Either way, people end up purple from the ankles down.

Music & Food

Live music runs throughout the day — usually a mix of local and regional acts across multiple stages. Food vendors set up on the grounds with options beyond standard festival fare. And obviously there’s wine — tastings, glasses, and bottles from Carlos Creek’s full lineup.

Getting There

Carlos Creek Winery is a short drive west of Alexandria on the shore of Lake Carlos. Parking is on-site but fills up fast — carpooling or arranging a ride is smart. The event runs rain or shine. Tickets are usually required and sell in advance, so don’t assume you can just show up — check their website for dates and ticket info as summer approaches.

Why It Matters

Grape Stomp is one of those events that defines a community’s personality. It’s not corporate or overproduced — it’s a local winery throwing a big party to celebrate the harvest. That simplicity is what makes it work.