Grape stomping at Flame Hill

 

Feeling ripe red grapes squish between your toes is a curious feeling. I did the grape stomp one weekend at Golden Grove Estate on the Granite Belt as part of a fabulous celebration for  the start of harvest.

If you'd like to get that smooshy feeling, Flame Hill Vineyard at Montville should be on your  list. The winery will play host to the annual Grape Stomp Festival on Saturday February 20. Along with grape stomping there will be live entertainment and local gourmet delicacies.

“The day promises to be a feast for the palate, celebrating the wonderful combination of wine, food and entertainment, highlighting a tradition that has existed since the origins of wine making,” said Flame Hill Vineyard Manager, Sharon Hogan.

There will be plenty of local food at the event with the promise of cabernet ice cream created by chef Patrick Bender. Much of the food will be sourced from the Flame Hill Estate farm following their 'paddock to plate' concept and using herbs, vegetables, fruit, beef and game birds raised on the property for use in the restaurant.
 
The Grape Stomp Festival is a rain, hail or shine event, with plenty of shade and shelter provided commencing at 12 Midday and proceeding until 8pm. Tickets cost $25 per person (children under 10 free) which are limited and will all be presold.

The views from this winery are superb.  I've enjoyed a ploughman's lunch plate there and sampled some of their wines.

Flame Hill Vineyard
249 Western Avenue, Montville, Sunshine Coast p 5478 5920
www.flamehill.com.au