When companies plan retreats or executive offsites in Wine Country, they look for activities that are immersive, authentic, and unforgettable. Few experiences capture the spirit of Napa and Sonoma like a grape stomping competition. Equal parts heritage, teamwork, and pure laughter, grape stomping is one of the most energizing team building activities offered by A Wine + Dine Event.
Designed for leadership teams, incentive travel programs, and company offsites, this high-energy experience brings colleagues together in a hands-on way that celebrates the history of winemaking while encouraging strategy, communication, and friendly competition.
Corporate retreats often begin with structured sessions. Grape stomping flips that script. As teams roll up their jeans and step into barrels of fresh grapes, they enter an atmosphere of fun, collaboration, and shared excitement.
Teams form groups and assign roles such as team leader, grape stompers, juice collectors, and runners. This setup encourages natural leadership and communication while keeping the activity fast paced and inclusive.
Whether your group includes ten executives or one hundred conference attendees, grape stomping sparks conversation, breaks down barriers, and builds instant camaraderie.
Once teams are set, the grape stomping competition begins. Participants step into barrels filled with ripe grapes and start stomping to extract as much juice as possible. Freshly pressed juice flows from the barrel into glasses, which are quickly delivered to the team pitcher.
Teams strategize in real time. They decide how to divide responsibilities, communicate under pressure, and maximize juice production to stay competitive.
The challenge continues with a short obstacle course where participants race their freshly pressed juice to the measuring station on waiter trays. Agility and precision matter. Spills cost time, and teamwork is essential.
The winning team is determined by the total amount of juice collected, followed by a celebratory awards moment.
Grape stomping delivers results that many traditional team building activities do not. It encourages:
Collaboration and quick decision making
Role delegation and leadership development
High energy engagement with minimal downtime
Authentic connection to Wine Country culture
Shared memories that last long after the retreat
It is ideal for executive retreats in Napa Valley, corporate team building in Sonoma County, incentive trips in Healdsburg or Monterey, and multi-day programs that balance meetings with hands-on activities.
Unlike passive tasting experiences, grape stomping requires physical energy and teamwork, making it a refreshing break between corporate sessions.
One of the biggest advantages of the grape stomping competition is its scalability. It works beautifully for small leadership teams but can also be expanded for groups of 50, 100, or more.
A Wine + Dine Event manages all logistics, including:
Vineyard or venue selection
Barrel staging and setup
Fresh grape supply
Competition structure and timing
Obstacle course setup
Custom team naming
Prizes and awards
Private transportation
On site staffing and coordination
The experience can stand alone or be paired with winery tastings, culinary lunches, outdoor activities, or wellness programming.
Corporate groups often choose to add enhancements such as:
Signature welcome drinks
Personalized aprons or bandanas
Photography or videography packages
Vineyard lawn games
Farm to table lunches or wine paired meals
Branded awards or custom bottles for winners
These additions create an even stronger sense of celebration and connection.
As a leading destination management company in Napa and Sonoma, A Wine + Dine Event specializes in seamless, high touch corporate programs. Their grape stomping competitions stand out because they combine wine education, experiential engagement, hospitality, and team building in one program.
With deep Wine Country relationships and expertise in large scale corporate logistics, A Wine + Dine Event ensures every detail is managed from planning to execution.
How long does a grape stomping event last?
Most events run 90 minutes to two hours.
What is the ideal group size?
Events work well for groups of 10 to more than 100.
Can this be part of a full day retreat?
Yes. Grape stomping pairs well with strategy sessions, tastings, lunches, and receptions.
Is grape stomping available in both Napa and Sonoma?
Yes. Events can be hosted at select venues across Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Healdsburg, and the Monterey Peninsula.
Do guests need special attire?
Comfortable clothing is recommended. Towels and cleanup stations are provided.
If you are looking for a lively and authentic Wine Country activity, grape stomping is one of the most memorable team building experiences available. It brings excitement, teamwork, and a true connection to winemaking history.
A Wine + Dine Event designs custom grape stomping programs for corporate retreats and incentive groups across Napa Valley, Sonoma, Healdsburg, Monterey, and Carmel.
Begin planning at AWineAndDineEvent.com.