VIDEO: Dozens test their traditional winemaking skills at Kelowna winery

Those with a passion for history and wine were treated to a unique experience on Saturday afternoon at the House of Rose Winery.

For the 11th year in a row, the winery gifted Kelowna wine-o’s the chance to get their feet dirty at the annual Grape stomping party, in support of the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

The family-friendly event welcomed one and all to jump into a five-foot-wide oak barrel to squash, mash and stomp across a floor of grapes, testing out one of the oldest methods of maceration for winemaking.

Luckily, House of Rose has updated their methods of creation and co-owner Wouter Van der Hall assured attendees that they would not have to sample their group creation afterwards.

“We are using about 600 pounds of bath table grapes for this,” said Van der Hall.

“By the time 5 o‘clock comes around, 200 to 300 people will have been in this barrel, so no, we will not be using it to make wine,” he laughed.

The fresh batch of mashed grapes and juice will actually go right back into the vineyard as compost, helping to make next year’s harvest even more delicious!

If you missed out on the fun today, don’t worry, the event will be back next Saturday, Oct. 12. All you’ll need to participate is an eagerness to try new things and a donation for the food bank.