Red Caboose 3rd Annual Grape Stomp

How have I lived in Dallas for close to 9 years and never discovered the beauty of Central Texas? Or even the people? On my 2nd trip to Meridian in one week, I revisited the Red Caboose Winery & Vineyards and participated in their 3rd Annual Grape Stomp. Evan & Gary McKibben, the dynamic father/son team hosted the event and their careful planning provided everyone in attendance a "stomping" good time. Guests were each given a Red Caboose personalized souvenir wine glass, plate and t-shirt.
The thunderstorms which lasted all afternoon did little to dampen spirits. Guests gathered on the back patio, listening to the music of the Gordon Collier Band, www.gordoncollierband.com Winner of the 2007 Country Band of the Year Award from the Music Association of Central Texas. They entertained for hours as we sipped red wine with new friends and enjoyed the warmth from the fireplace. Can it get any better? In between the wine, music and food, we found time to crush the grapes. Protected from the rain, large vats of grapes were set up for the grape stomp. There's always a first time for everything, and this was my virgin crush. After rolling up the pants, washing my feet in a bucket of clean water, I climbed into the barrels full of purple & blue grapes. Wow! Cold and squishy was my first reaction. Then after a few turns, with grape juice all over my feet, I climbed out and stepped onto my white souvenir t-shirt which the staff had placed on the ground. How much fun to have a reminder of your crushing adventure with your footprints.
Unfortunately time doesn't stop at the Red Caboose, and after a delightful afternoon, it was time to venture out into the rain and I-35 back home. But first we had to make some purchases of their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and the 2007 Cabernet France Tempranillo, something to remind us of the good times at the Red Caboose. In addition, we purchased a couple of t-shirts with the winery logo on the back and a very clever slogan " We have something NAPA never will...we are surrounded by Texas. " Don't you just love Texans! So proud... look out California~
I'll be returning to their 4th Grape Stomp next year and this time I'll be a veteran~ Look out Lucy and Ethel!