I love this time of year! The weather starts to cool,  the days start to shorten, and it signifies the beginning of another school year for kids. Another reason to love this time of year is GrapeFest.

By no means does Texas have wineries similar to those found in California’s Napa Valley, but it does have a wine festival aptly named GrapeFest. It’s a celebration hosted by the city of Grapevine (a suburb of Dallas and not too far from DFW airport). With a small fee, it grants you access to Main Street. The city  shuts access due to the festivities held there. There’s live music, carnival-type food (funnel cakes, corn dogs, kettle corn) along the street, a midway with rides for the kids, wine for purchase, and GrapeStomping.

Last year, my husband and I were among the hundreds who walked around with a glass of wine in our hands while watching our kids enjoy the various rides in the midway.

Though we didn’t enter the GrapeStomping competition, we took off our shoes and mushed grapes in a barrel (a la “I Love Lucy”). It was a great experience which the kids and I still talk about and look forward to doing once again.

If you’re not a fan of big crowds similar to that at The Texas State Fair, this is a great event to attend.

General Information

• FREE ADMISSION – All day Thursday (10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.) and Friday until 5 p.m.
• Admission – After 5 p.m. on Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday:
• Adults – $8
• Seniors 62+ and Children 6 to 12 – $5
• Weekend Pass – $18
• Souvenir Pin – $23

– Ausa Faria