The 40th annual GrapeFest is set to take place along Main Street in downtown Grapevine Sept. 17-20. The event will include grape stomping, a people’s choice wine tasting competition, live music and carnival games.
The details
The festival has helped put Texas wines on the map, city officials said. This year’s event will have a special commemoration for the 50th anniversary of The Judgment of Paris, which is when Napa Valley-produced wines outperformed French wines at a 1976 tasting event.
Festival times and adult admission prices include:
- Sept. 17: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; free admission all day
- Sept. 18: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; free admission before 5 p.m., $12 (adults after 5 p.m.)
- Sept. 19: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; $12 (adults)
- Sept. 20: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; $12 (adults)
Admission for children ages 6-12 and adults 62 and older is $6, while children ages 5-12 get in free. Weekend passes are available for $25 and cover all paid admission days.
What to do
- GrapeStomp: Teams of two have two minutes to stomp as much of 18 pounds of grapes as they can. The duos with the most juice qualify for the Grand Championship StompOff on Sept. 20.
- Carnival and games: The area will feature carnival rides and games for festivalgoers to play. On Sept. 17, guests can pay $30 for unlimited rides and games from 5-10 p.m.
- International Wine Experience: Guests can purchase tickets starting at $16, which includes a souvenir wine glass and the ability to taste international wines from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Barossa, Krems and Parras. A VIP tasting can be bought starting at $40, which includes an exclusive pour from the VIP bar and access to a lounge, although seating may be limited during peak hours.
- Champagne Terrace: Guests can purchase sparkling wine or champagne in Weem’s Alley. Guests will receive a champagne flute with purchase.
- Rest Station at The Post: Festivalgoers can take a break, rehydrate and use restrooms that also include diaper changing stations.
- KidZone: This area will include activities geared toward children from the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Cook Children’s.
- Grapevine Mills Main Stage: The stage is one of four live entertainment stages featuring musical acts throughout the festival grounds.
- The Grapevine Art Project Market: The market will feature artwork produced by local artists. The Grapevine Art Project is a nonprofit founded in 2009, which is made up of local artists.
- Liberty Park Plaza Stage: This stage will have performances Sept. 17-20.
- Gazebo Stage: This stage will have performances Sept. 17-20.
Wine tasting
The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic will allow guests to taste wines from 40 Texas wineries and cast votes for their favorite.
There are seven regular 90-minute tasting sessions for Texas wines across 10 categories. Tickets for a regular tasting session include cheese provided by Southwest Dairy Farmers.
There are three VIP tasting sessions, which have a limited capacity and include a more intimate tasting experience. The tasting sessions also include cheese provided by Southwest Dairy Farmers, and guests can take home a souvenir wine glass.
VIP wine tastings will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. Sept. 18, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 19 and 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 19.
Regular tastings include:
- Sept. 17, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Sept. 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Sept. 19, 1:30-3 p.m.
- Sept. 19, 3:30-5 p.m.
- Sept. 19, 5:30-7 p.m.
- Sept. 19, 7:30-9 p.m.
- Sept. 20, noon-1:30 p.m.
Live music
Performances at the Grapevine Mills Main Stage include:
- Sept. 17: Vinylize, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Sept. 17: Tojo, 8:30-10 p.m.
- Sept. 18: Hotel Mac Doobie, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Sept. 18: 80’s Mix Tape, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
- Sept. 19: Seger System, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Sept. 19: Heartbreak Petty, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
There are also performances at the Champagne Terrace, such as:
- Sept. 17: Randy Sloan, noon-4 p.m.
- Sept. 17: Margaret Nicholson, 4:30-7 p.m.
- Sept. 18: Hailey Marie, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
- Sept. 19: Kindle Hunt, 12:30-3 p.m.
- Sept. 19: Quenten Moore, 8-10:30 p.m.
- Sept. 20: Corey Breedlove, 4-5:30 p.m.
Artists and performance times are subject to change. This list is not comprehensive. For more information about live music at GrapeFest, visit the website.
Parking
Guest parking options include free lots within walking distance of the festival, others with shuttle service and paid lots. All parking lots are ADA accessible. Rideshare drop-off points are located near the south gate and close to the north gate.
