In Grapevine, Texas, the 37th Annual GrapeFest – A Texas Wine Experience presented by Bank of the West, concluded on Sunday, September 17, after four days of festivities. The event, held at 108 W. Northwest Hwy., offered a family-friendly atmosphere filled with wine, live music, food, shopping, and more.
One of the highlights of the festival was the partnership between Grapevine and Barossa, South Australia, as they officially became International Sister Cities on Saturday, September 16. Thousands of attendees participated in the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic sponsored by Audi Grapevine at 1260 E. State Hwy 114, the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the United States. Thirty-five Texas wineries showcased their best wines, judged in ten different categories over ten tasting sessions from Thursday, September 14 to Sunday, September 17.
The results of the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic were announced at the People’s Choice Pavilion on Sunday, September 17, at 5 p.m. The winners included Bull Lion Ranch, Landon Winery, Whiskey Road Winery, Blue Ostrich Winery, Llano Estacado Winery, Slate Theory, Messina Hof Winery, Tara Winery, Silver Dollar Winery, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, and Juniper Cove Winery, among others.
In addition to wine tasting, GrapeFest featured various competitions and activities. "Team Random," consisting of Alex Miranda from Irving, Texas, and Jonathan Espinoza from Dallas, Texas, won the GrapeFest Grand Stomp-Off sponsored by Thryv, pressing out 34 ounces of grape juice in two minutes. Mayor Bim Lange and Joanne Moen from Barossa, South Australia, emerged victorious in the GrapeStomp Mayoral Stomp, competing against representatives from Grapevine and its Sister Cities.
Other winners included Lori Chlan from St. Joseph, Minnesota, who triumphed in the Champagne Cork Shoot-Off Grand Shoot-Off, sponsored by Texas Gun Experience. Karen Gail Wood from Richardson, Texas, was the lucky recipient of the Qantas Australia Getaway, winning a six-night/seven-day trip for two to Barossa, South Australia.
Furthermore, the GrapeFest Tennis & Pickleball Tournaments produced by TNT Tennis showcased exceptional talent, with Ilgiz Valiev from Dallas, Texas, clinching the GrapeFest Tennis Open Singles title and Dallas Dunn from Ft. Worth, Texas, and Warren Fulgenzi from San Antonio, Texas, emerging victorious in the GrapeFest Pickleball Open Doubles category.
Amidst the celebrations, GrapeFest also witnessed love in the air, with two marriage proposals, both met with joyful "Yes!" responses. The event brought together wine enthusiasts, athletes, and visitors from various parts of the country, creating memorable experiences and celebrating the spirit of Grapevine's vibrant community.
