THE SEVENTH ANNUAL Stompfest at Rusty Grape Vineyard will be held Sat., Sept. 28, noon-10 p.m., at the winery, 16712 NE 219th St., Battle Ground. This event is a way to celebrate the harvest and honor the rustic traditions of winemakers from long ago. Donations will be accepted by North County Community Food Bank staff during the event and seven percent of proceeds from all pizza sales that day will also go to the food bank.
THE ANNUAL STOMPFEST at Rusty Grape Vineyard consists of teams of two who compete to crush as much grape juice as possible during a set time. Teams that stomp the most juice are eligible to win prizes each round. Cost is $25 per team and interested teams can contact the winery for registration details. Rounds are scheduled for 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The seventh annual Stompfest at Rusty Grape Vineyard will aim to “stomp out hunger - one barrel at a time.”
The annual event will be held this year Sat., Sept. 28, noon-10 p.m., at Rusty Grape, 16712 NE 219th St., Battle Ground. This event is a way to celebrate the harvest and honor the rustic traditions of winemakers from long ago.
A popular event at the vineyard, Stompfest consists of teams of two who will compete to crush as much grape juice as possible during a set time. Teams that stomp the most juice are eligible to win prizes each round. Rounds are scheduled for 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Cost is $25 per team and interested teams can contact the winery for registration details.
“This is our longest-running event and really brings together what the Rusty Grape is about,” said owner and winemaker Jeremy Brown. “It’s a great way to teach some people about traditional Italian-styled winemaking and to have fun. We love to bring people together over great wine and food.”
Brown also added that wine is not made from juice crushed at Stompfest.
This year, Rusty Grape is coordinating efforts with the North County Community Food Bank to “stomp out hunger.” Donations will be accepted by food bank staff at the Sept. 28 Stompfest event and seven percent of proceeds from all pizza sales that day will go to the food bank. Brown said this community pairing was a great way to help area people in need.
“The North County Community Food Bank is blessed to have a tremendous support network within the area with businesses, organizations and private citizens as well,” said Elizabeth Cerveny, executive director of the food bank. “Events such as the Rusty Grape Vineyard Stompfest are excellent opportunities for our organization to have a presence and spread the awareness of what our organization does throughout Clark County in helping feed those experiencing life-changing crisis.”
Cerveny also said the level of hunger in Washington has never been higher, and the North County Community Food Bank has never before experienced the level of families and individuals in crisis.
“Community activities in which we are allowed to spread the word about that level of need, and in turn our organization’s needs, are a critical aspect in how we successfully raise sufficient funding and donated food items to meet this growing need,” Cerveny said.
In operation since 1986, the North County Community Food Bank plays a vital role in the lives of area seniors, single mothers, families and homeless. Monthly donations of $5 or more can help purchase foods that would otherwise be unattainable to neighbors and friends who are struggling.
Attendees are encouraged to stay after the stomp and enjoy food from the Rusty Grape kitchen, serving a full menu all day, and live music is also scheduled at 3 p.m. with Jeff Hill and 7 p.m. with John Baker.
For more information, visit the Rusty Grape website at www.rustygrape.com or call (360) 513-9338.
