October in Calaveras County is a time like no other. It’s the season for brisk, fresh air, fall foliage, and best of all—wine harvesting! During this time, the historic town of Murphy’s transforms into a frenzy of activity with two renowned events, the Calaveras Grape Stomp and the Gold Rush Street Faire. This lively event brings you closer to winemaking by giving you the chance to press freshly harvested grapes with your feet.
Before attending the celebration, be sure to request a copy of our complimentary Vacation Guide! You’ll find our top recommendations for other festivals, the best outdoor activities, and spectacular wineries. This way, you won’t be left wondering what to do once the event is over.
A Snapshot of The Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp
This is the largest and oldest grape stomp competition in California! Each year on the first Saturday in October, over 10,000 people flock to Murphy’s to attend this celebration of winemaking. The event features grape stomping, live and silent auctions, a stomp team costume contest, and wine tasting. This grape stomp competition is organized by the Calaveras Wine Alliance and takes place in picturesque Murphy’s Park.
At the Grape Stomp, teams of two compete to extract the most juice out of 25 pounds of grapes. At the end of the competition, the juice is precisely measured to decide the winners. Multiple rounds take place throughout the day and the winners from each round move on to the final Championship Stomp. The first, second, and third place winners from the championship receive cash prizes.
If you’d like to participate, we recommend that you sign up in advance as there is a limited number of stomp teams and it sells out every year. You don’t want to miss the high-flying antics and hilarious commentary at this year’s Calaveras Grape Stomp!
Helpful Info
- The event is free to attend. There is an $80 registration fee to join the grape stomp competition.
- Local wine by the glass and carafe will be available for purchase.
- Beer and food can be purchased as well.
The Gold Rush Street Faire
On the same day, a short block away on Main Street is the Gold Rush Street Faire. The street fills with over 100 unique booths where you can purchase antiques and collectibles, handmade crafts, eclectic jewelry, and much more. There’s a plethora of delicious food vendors, in addition to the Main Street restaurants and tasting rooms that will open their doors for event attendees. Be sure to pick up a bottle of high-quality Calaveras wine to take home with you.
Helpful Info
- The event is free to attend.
- The event benefits the preservation of Feeney Park and other organizations and provides scholarships to high school students.
Book Your Stay at Courtwood Inn
After your Calaveras Grape Stomp experience, take a 6-minute drive and recharge at Courtwood Inn. Our log cabin bed and breakfast overlooks the stunning San Joaquin Valley and the rolling Sierra Nevada Foothills. We’re wine lovers ourselves, and offer a complimentary happy hour every day where we serve up local wines along with artisanal cheeses, crackers, fruit, and munchies. 
We invite you to browse our accommodations and reserve the ideal one for your getaway. As you search, consider booking our Davis Cup Room! This airy guest room features beautiful hardwood floors and an abundance of natural light. Pair this with the light-colored decor and panoramic views, and you’ll begin to relax from the moment you step inside. This room is our pet-friendly room, so you won’t have to worry about leaving your furry friends behind. Lounging on your own patio area while watching the sun go down over the San Joaquin Valley is the perfect way to complete your day in Murphy’s, CA.
Check our availability and stay with us at Courtwood Inn. You’ll discover the beauty and excitement of Murphy’s grape stomp.
