Kansas State Fair to feature Fifth Annual Grape Stomp, People’s Choice Wine Judging
In an effort to promote the state’s grape and wine industries, the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Agriculture will host the Fifth Annual Grape Stomp and People’s Choice Wine Judging on Friday, Sept. 5 at the Kansas State Fair.
The Grape Stomp begins at 3 p.m. on the Lake Talbott Stage and engages celebrity “stompers” in a contest to see who can squash the most juice from a bushel of Kansas grapes. The People’s Choice Wine Judging begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Bluestem Building and provides guests a chance to sample and judge wines from more than a dozen Kansas wineries. The Bluestem Building will also feature a café and outdoor wine and beer garden.
“The Grape Stomp and People’s Choice Wine Judging are great ways to promote the Kansas wine industry,” said Secretary of Commerce David Kerr. “The Grape Stomp is always good for some laughs, and the People’s Choice Wine Judging allows State Fair guests to experience the dozens of great wines produced right here in Kansas. ”
The Grape Stomp and People’s Choice Wine Judging will also highlight recent legislation that has made it easier to buy, sell, produce, ship and sample Kansas wines. Most recently, the 2008 Legislature approved legislation allowing Kansas wine to be sold by the bottle at the State Fair. This followed 2007 legislation allowing wine to be sold by the glass at the State Fair and 2006 amendments making it easier for producers and consumers to buy, sell and ship Kansas wines.
“The grape stomp and wine tasting events grow more popular every year, and that speaks well of our developing wine industry,” said Adrian Polansky, Secretary of Agriculture. “I’m glad lawmakers agreed it was time to update antiquated Kansas laws to make our wines more accessible, especially at the State Fair, our state’s premier agricultural event.”
Kansas wineries participating in the People’s Choice Wine Judging are: BlueJacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery; Campbell Vineyard & Winery; Davenport Orchard; Vineyard & Winery; Dozier Vineyard & Winery; Grace Hill Winery; Holyfield Vineyard & Winery; Jefferson Hill Farm & Winery; Kugler's Vineyard; Oz Winery; Pome on the Range Orchards & Winery; Smoky Hill Vineyard & Winery; Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery; Storey Vineyards/Windswept Winery; and Wyldewood Cellars Winery & Gift Shop.
The Kansas grape and wine industries have enjoyed an impressive revival in recent years. There are currently 15 open wineries in the state, with a number of others set to open next year. The most recent data indicate Kansas wineries produce more than 50,000 gallons of wine each year, with annual sales surpassing $1 million. The industry employs more than 40 full-time workers and nearly 70 part-time employees, with a combined payroll approaching $1 million. There are more than 90 vineyards in the state, with grapes being grown on approximately 320 acres. Moreover, recent amendments to wine shipping laws are projected to help the industry experience even more growth in the coming years.
Funding for most Department of Commerce agriculture marketing activities is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund, which is derived from Kansas Lottery proceeds.
For more information, contact Joe Monaco, Public Information Officer with the Department of Commerce, at (785) 296-3760 or jmonaco@kansascommerce.com.
2008 Grape Stompers
Fred Cholick (KSU Dean of Agriculture)
Jay Prater (Chief Meteorologist, KAKE-TV, Wichita)
Bill Spiegel (Communications Specialist, Kansas Wheat)
Emily Surdez (State FFA President)
Rep. Josh Svaty (State Representative, Ellsworth)
Mary Treaster (Fair Board Member)
2007 Grape Stomp results
KAKE-TV Chief Meteorologist Jay Prater successfully defended his title by taking first place in the Fourth Annual Kansas Grape Stomp. Prater stomped an impressive 5.25 quarts of juice to win the event, edging out Kansas Rep. Josh Svaty.
2007 People’s Choice Wine Judging results
Smokey Hill was the night’s biggest winner, taking home Gold in the Sweet Wine category with its Sweet Lady and the Dry category with its Simply Red. Campbell Vineyard & Winery saw its Geisenheim voted Best Semi-Sweet Wine, while Holy-field Vineyard & Winery took the Best Fruit Wine category with its luscious Raspberry. Silver and Bronze awards went to Wyldewood Cellars Winery & Gift Shop, Oz Winery, Pome on the Range Orchards & Winery, Slough Creek Vineyard & Winery and Windswept Winery.
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