Summer may be coming to an end, but Sumner Crest is making the most of Labor Day weekend with a two-day Harvest Celebration and Grape Stomp. The winery opened in Portland, Tennessee in 1997 – and this will be 25 years of having a festival to celebrate harvest season.
This year the festival will start on Friday, Aug. 29th and finish on Saturday the 30th. For several years, the Grape Stomp has drawn customers from several surrounding states. So many customers relate to the old I Love Lucy episode and want to actually put their feet in the grapes and stomp around. There will be large vats of grapes so patrons can explore the feel of the fruit between their toes and under their feet. Hundreds of pounds of grapes are brought in for this fun event. The grapes are no longer used for wine from this celebration, but it’s still fun to play with the ripened fruit. The grapes will be put out each day at 5pm.
There will be live music both nights. Friday night, Aug 29th, “Four On The Floor” will entertain us with melodies of the 60’s and 70’s from 6pm-9pm. This band has played at Sumner Crest for over two decades and they are a fan favorite. Bring your dancing shoes because the dance floor will be open. If you wish to sample wines, please get there early so you can pick out the perfect bottle to enjoy for the lawn concert. Remember, music is on the lawn – so bring lawn chairs or blankets.
While at the winery, explore the extensive gift shop, the Chandelier Room and take advantage of the wine and gift shop sale that will be going on for this event only. There will be food trucks to enjoy both days, including Twisted Sisters, plus the gourmet homemade chicken salad and pimento cheese that can be found in the winery cooler. There will also be special wine tastings in the Chandelier Room from 1pm-3pm. You can sample 15 Sumner Crest wines – for $10 – but a reservation must be made to reserve your spot – because seating is limited.
The Saturday night finale will be the high energy band, “The Remedies” playing hits from the 80’s and 90’s. Music will be from 6pm-9pm. Kick back with a bottle of Sumner Crest wine and enjoy the music and dance floor. As the sun goes down, the dance floor heats up. Remember that no other alcohol is allowed at the event. This will be monitored. You are welcome to bring a picnic with you, but food options are available for purchase. This is an event for all ages. Kids are welcome, but you must be present with your children and supervise them at all times.
The event is free of charge. Sumner Crest invites you to join in the fun and help us celebrate on Friday, Aug. 29 and Saturday, Aug. 30. The winery is right off I-65 at Exit 117 just across the Tennessee state line. For more information you can contact the winery at 615-325-4086. You may also visit our website to learn about other events – go to www.sumnercrestwinery.com or visit the winery Facebook page. In September, the winery will host a Classic Car Cruise-In and Concert with “Four On The Floor.”
-submitted by Sumner Crest Winery
