The Grape Crush, which runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will include samples and sales of grapes, jellies, juices and wines grown in the state. A few lucky participants and local celebrities will doff their shoes, climb into a short, wooden barrel and compete against one another in an old-fashioned grape crushing. Stompers who crush the most juice will win grape-themed gift packs. Anyone interested in competing can stop by the grape information booth between 11 a.m. and noon to enter a drawing for a chance to compete against celebrity participants. The dry summer, which has created problems for many farmers, has actually helped grape producers.
Dry weather helps grapes reach premium sugar levels.
At press time, vines are loaded with grapes that are beginning to ripen. Harvest typically begins the last week of August and runs through the first week of October. Grape festivities continue throughout September which has been proclaimed as Grape Appreciation Month by Governor Jim Hunt. Other celebrations include the fourth annual Burgaw Grape Festival Sept. 12 at the Bannerman Vineyard in Pender County and the Great Grape Stomp Festival at Duplin Wine Cellars in Rose Hill on Sept. 19. The expanding grape industry attracts more than 700,000 tourists to North Carolina wineries and U-pick vineyards each year.