Yesterday I participated in a yearly ritual...the stomping of the grapes at the winery where Brian and I were married. Each year the owners invited their patrons to a big party to celebrate the harvest. They also encourage you to dress as Lucy as she looked in the episode where she also stomps grapes. If you are a brave enough man, you can be a Luc-hee.
Last year, I went for the first time with several good girlfriends. We were attempting to take my mind off of Brian's diagnosis and impending treatment. It was the most fun I had had in a long time. Perhaps since the day I got married at the winery.
When you pay at the door, you get a wine glass specially made for the day. You choose your table and take it all in. There are Lucys and Luc-hees everywhere. Two 5x5 plastic bins are in the center of the covered patio. It's hot, but the large fans everywhere make it bearable. The wine starts flowing as soon as the waitress takes your order. The Irish band begins to play. You drink. You dance.
Caris, the owner of the winery, picks three women from the crowd to start the stomp. After the short ceremony, then all the patrons may get in line to stomp the grapes. About 6 people can cram into one of the bins. The band plays. Everyone is laughing and having a marvelous time.
To stomp, you dip your feet into a bucket of water, hike up your peasant skirt and step into the cold, squishy grapes. Once your friends have joined you, you dance the best you can in the grapes to the music. Pictures are taken to prove to others that you've done it and for you to remember this marvelous day. When you have stomped for a few minutes, you get out of the tub as gracefully as you can. (That is directly proportional to how much wine you've had before you got in.) Perhaps one or more of your friends has dipped their hands in the grapes and slapped you on the backside or on your front. You walk a few feet to the edge of the patio where an eager man waits to hose you off. The grapes are very sticky. He willingly sprays whatever you ask him to. He assures you he is a professional.
The band plays on and the wine flows. At some point you enjoy a hamburger lunch. Not a good idea to be hungry and dehydrated.
When you have had all the fun you can stand (usually after at least one more stomp, maybe more), you go claim your prize for dressing as Lucy...a bottle of Texas Kiss wine, one of their most popular.
The drive home is full of laughter and plans for next year. It's a true bonding experience. And I wouldn't miss it for the world. It's a day full of smiles, hope and promise. And it rejuvenates you in a way that it is difficult to explain...so come stomp with us next year!
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