By: Clark Shelton
- Williamson County Library Association
- Williamson Medical’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- My Friend’s House
- Williamson County CASA
- Davis House Child Advocacy Center
- A Vintage Affair Fellowship at O’More College of Design
With this year’s 4th Annual Grape Stomp just around the corner (Oct. 5th) at O’More College of Design. I asked myself: “Why stomp grapes? What did they ever do to me?” . When I asked Ashley W. Roberts, Managing Director of A Vintage Affair, she gave me the six reasons above and then explained to me why stomping grapes is so important to these charities:
“A Vintage Affair is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that is dedicated to raising money for Williamson County charities benefiting women and children in need. In order to fulfill the goal of helping out neighbors in need, AVA hosts various events throughout the year which include: wine, spirit & food tastings, A Fashion Affair – our fashion show, and The Grape Stomp Festival. Since its inception in 2001, AVA has contributed over one million dollars to local nonprofit organizations. Each year AVA chooses several deserving beneficiaries from the community to receive the proceeds for that fiscal year.”
Now, it started making sense. I started to see the big picture. This wasn’t about a fear of grapes and the need to eradicate them or, the deep need to want to make wine like my ancestors did. This was about helping others! However, while helping others is the primary reason for the grape stomp, the chance to satisfy my need to make wine like my ancestors was too good to pass up. So with a little begging I managed to talk our Williamson Source co-workers to form a team. Not sure of the rules or how teams were formed I got the lowdown from Ashley:
“Teams are invited to experience traditional wine making as they stomp 
barefoot in competition against others in a tournament bracket-style competition. There will be up to five stomp heats, comprised of six teams each. The team to collect the most juice at the end of the four-minute stomp will advance to the finals, where five teams will compete to be the Grape Stomp champion. Members of the winning team will receive a half of a case of wine as reward for their stomping talent. The stomp will be hosted by Buzz Brainard of The Highway SiriusXM Channel 59. There will also be a special award given to the best-dressed Grape Stomping Team – sponsored by T-shirts or creative costumes are encouraged. The cost to sponsor a team of five is $500 and up to 30 teams will be assembled. “
Now, I know many of you want to come watch the shenanigans. That’s why $50 tickets are available to those that just want to stand by and cheer or jeer. Participants and ticket holders will be treated to a variety of amenities according to Ashley Roberts:
“Wine and food will be plentiful. The Robledo Family Winery from Sonoma, CA will be in town to pour many varietals of their award winning wines. Four Roses Bourbon from Lawrencesburg, Ky. and Cougar Juice Vodka from Calistoga, Ca., will both be creating a signature cocktail and will offer bourbon and Vodka tastings.. The Saucy Sisters will be on hand, as well as a big screen to catch the SEC game of the day!”
So there you go! The Williamson Source is looking forward to participating this year and working with another great community event. For questions or to order tix: www.avintageaffair.org
Please join our FREE Newsletter
