GrapeFest, the largest wine festival in the Southwest, transforms Grapevine, Texas into a vibrant celebration of viticulture each September. This annual event draws around 200,000 wine enthusiasts to the historic Main Street for four days of tastings, competitions, and entertainment. GrapeFest showcases wines from around the world but places special emphasis on Texas-produced varieties, featuring them prominently in the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic.
Visitors to GrapeFest can explore a diverse array of wine-related activities. The festival offers opportunities to sample wines, participate in workshops, and enjoy live music performances. Wine aficionados can engage in the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation, which exclusively features Texas wines.
The 38th Annual GrapeFest is scheduled for September 2024, continuing its tradition of celebrating the rich wine culture of Texas and beyond. This event not only highlights the local wine industry but also serves as a significant tourism draw for Grapevine, attracting visitors from across the region to experience the town’s unique charm and viticultural heritage.
History of GrapeFest
GrapeFest in Grapevine, Texas has evolved from a small community event to one of the largest wine festivals in the United States. Its growth reflects the city’s deep-rooted connection to grape cultivation and winemaking.
Origins and Development
GrapeFest began in 1986 as a celebration of Grapevine’s agricultural heritage. The festival’s inception coincided with the city’s efforts to revitalize its historic downtown area.
Early editions featured local wineries and attracted mostly regional visitors. As Texas wine production expanded, so did GrapeFest. The event gradually incorporated more wineries from across the state.
Organizers introduced new attractions each year, including grape stomping competitions and culinary demonstrations. These additions helped broaden the festival’s appeal beyond wine enthusiasts.
Significant Milestones
In 1997, GrapeFest marked its 10th anniversary with record attendance. This milestone year saw the introduction of international wine pavilions, showcasing varietals from around the world.
The festival’s 25th anniversary in 2011 was a landmark occasion. It featured an expanded lineup of entertainment and educational programs about viticulture and winemaking.
By its 30th year in 2016, GrapeFest had become a four-day event drawing over 260,000 visitors. The festival now includes a wide range of activities, from wine tastings to live music performances.
Recent years have seen GrapeFest embrace technology, with mobile apps for event scheduling and virtual tasting experiences during the pandemic.
Event Overview
GrapeFest is a renowned wine festival held annually in Grapevine, Texas. The event showcases wines from around the world while highlighting Texas vintages.
Dates and Location
GrapeFest takes place in historic downtown Grapevine, Texas, typically in September. The 38th Annual GrapeFest is scheduled for September 12-15, 2024. This four-day celebration runs from Thursday to Sunday.
The festival hours vary by day. On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the event opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Specific hours for other days may differ.
Grapevine’s Main Street serves as the primary venue, transforming into a lively hub for wine enthusiasts and festival-goers.
Annual Themes and Variations
Each year, GrapeFest introduces unique themes and features to keep the event fresh and exciting. The festival is known as “A Texas Wine Experience,” emphasizing its roots in local viticulture.
GrapeFest incorporates various competitive activities. Popular contests include the GrapeStomp, where participants crush grapes with their feet, and the Champagne Cork Shoot-Off. The GrapeFest Tennis & Pickleball Classic adds a sporty element to the festivities.
Entertainment is a key component, with live music performances throughout the event. The 2024 lineup includes headliners Taylor Hicks and Frankie Moreno, offering diverse musical styles for attendees.
Wine Tasting and Competitions
GrapeFest offers exciting opportunities for wine enthusiasts to sample and judge a variety of wines. The festival features two signature events that showcase the best of Texas and international wines.
People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic
The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic is a highlight of GrapeFest. This event allows attendees to sample and vote on their favorite Texas wines.
Participants taste wines from various Texas wineries, rating them across different categories. These categories typically include red, white, and sweet wines.
The tasting is conducted in multiple sessions throughout the festival. Advance tickets are recommended due to the event’s popularity.
Winners are announced at the end of the festival, with awards given in each category. This event provides an excellent opportunity for wineries to gain recognition and for visitors to discover new Texas wines.
GrapeStomp Event
The GrapeStomp is a fun and messy competition that pays homage to traditional winemaking techniques. Teams of two compete to extract the most juice from grapes using their bare feet.
Participants stand in large barrels filled with grapes and stomp for two minutes. The juice is collected and measured to determine the winners.
The competition includes various divisions for adults and children. Winners of the adult division earn the chance to compete in the Grand Champion StompOff on the festival’s final day.
This event combines physical activity with wine culture, creating a memorable and entertaining experience for participants and spectators alike.
Live Music and Entertainment
GrapeFest showcases an impressive lineup of musical acts and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy performances by renowned artists and talented local musicians across multiple stages throughout the festival grounds.
Main Stage Performances
The Main Stage hosts headlining acts that draw large crowds each evening. In 2024, GrapeFest welcomes American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and Las Vegas entertainer Frankie Moreno as featured performers. These accomplished artists bring their unique styles and chart-topping hits to Grapevine.
The Main Stage also features a variety of genres throughout the festival, including country, rock, and pop. Well-known regional bands take the stage during afternoon slots, warming up the audience for the evening’s headliners.
Local Talent
GrapeFest highlights Texas musicians on dedicated stages around the festival. Up-and-coming artists and established local favorites perform daily, showcasing the rich musical heritage of the Lone Star State.
Visitors can discover new talent at the acoustic stage, where singer-songwriters share their original compositions. The Texas wine pavilion hosts performances by jazz and blues musicians, creating a perfect backdrop for wine tastings.
Family-friendly entertainment options include children’s performers and interactive musical activities throughout the festival grounds.
Kid-Friendly Activities
GrapeFest offers a variety of engaging activities for children. Young visitors can enjoy carnival rides, interactive workshops, and a scenic train journey through historic Grapevine.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad provides a unique experience for families attending GrapeFest. Children can board restored 1920s vintage coaches for a scenic ride along the historic Cotton Belt Route.
The train departs from the replica 1920s-era depot in downtown Grapevine. During the 90-minute round trip, kids learn about the area’s railroad history through narration and exhibits.
Special GrapeFest-themed rides often feature grape juice tastings for young passengers. The open-air gondola car offers great views of the passing scenery.
Interactive Workshops
GrapeFest hosts several hands-on workshops designed for children. Kids can participate in grape stomping competitions, getting their feet purple as they crush grapes in wooden barrels.
Art stations allow young artists to create grape-themed crafts using paint, clay, and other materials. Local artisans sometimes lead workshops on traditional crafts.
Cooking demonstrations teach kids how to make simple grape dishes. Some sessions focus on the science of winemaking, using grape juice to explain fermentation processes.
Many workshops are held in the KidZone area, which also features face painting, balloon artists, and evening dance parties for children.
Food and Dining
GrapeFest offers a diverse culinary experience, showcasing local flavors and international cuisine. Visitors can explore various food options throughout the festival grounds, from gourmet dishes to quick bites.
Culinary Pavilions
Culinary pavilions at GrapeFest feature a wide array of food options. These dedicated areas house numerous vendors offering diverse cuisines. Visitors can sample dishes from Texas barbecue to international specialties.
The pavilions provide a convenient way to explore different flavors in one location. Many vendors offer wine-pairing suggestions to complement their dishes. Some pavilions also host cooking demonstrations and food-related events.
Local Eats and Treats
Main Street in Grapevine transforms during GrapeFest, with local restaurants and food vendors lining the streets. Visitors can enjoy signature dishes from Grapevine’s dining establishments without leaving the festival grounds.
Food trucks and pop-up stalls offer quick bites and unique treats. Local specialties include Texan favorites like smoked meats and Tex-Mex cuisine. Dessert options range from artisanal ice creams to wine-infused sweets.
Many eateries create special GrapeFest menus, incorporating grape and wine themes into their dishes. This allows visitors to experience the local culinary scene while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
Proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable GrapeFest experience. Consider accommodation options near the festival grounds and plan your transportation in advance to avoid any hassles.
Accommodation Options
Grapevine offers a variety of lodging choices for GrapeFest attendees. The Gaylord Texan Resort provides luxury accommodations with easy access to the festival. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Hilton Garden Inn or Hampton Inn & Suites.
Several boutique hotels like Hotel Vin and Grapevine Main offer unique stays in the heart of downtown. Vacation rentals and Airbnb listings are available for those seeking a home-like atmosphere.
Book accommodations early, as rooms fill up quickly during the festival weekend.
Transport and Parking
Driving to GrapeFest is convenient, with ample parking available near Main Street. Satellite parking lots with shuttle services operate during peak hours, reducing congestion in the downtown area.
For those flying in, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is just minutes away. Ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available from the airport to Grapevine.
Consider using the Grapevine Visitor Shuttle for easy transportation between hotels and the festival grounds. This complimentary service runs frequently throughout the event.
Bicycle parking is provided for eco-conscious visitors who prefer to cycle to the festival.
GrapeFest Impact
GrapeFest generates significant economic benefits for Grapevine and fosters community engagement through various activities and volunteer opportunities. The festival’s influence extends beyond its four-day duration, creating lasting effects on the local economy and social fabric.
Economic Benefits
GrapeFest attracts thousands of visitors to Grapevine, boosting local businesses and tourism. Hotels experience increased bookings during the festival period. Restaurants and shops in the downtown area see a surge in customers.
The event creates temporary jobs for festival staff and vendors. Local wineries and vineyards benefit from increased exposure and sales. Tax revenues for the city rise due to increased economic activity.
Grapevine’s reputation as a wine destination is enhanced, potentially leading to year-round tourism growth. The festival’s success has inspired similar events in other Texas cities, further promoting the state’s wine industry.
Community Engagement
GrapeFest relies heavily on volunteer participation, fostering a sense of community pride and involvement. Local organizations and schools often participate in festival activities, strengthening community bonds.
The event provides a platform for local artists and musicians to showcase their talents. Educational components of the festival, such as wine tasting seminars, engage residents and visitors alike.
GrapeFest’s People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic encourages interaction between wineries and attendees. The festival’s family-friendly atmosphere, with activities like grape stomping contests, brings together residents of all ages.
Local businesses collaborate on festival preparations, promoting networking and partnerships within the community.