Cru winery annual Grape Stomp

BERENDA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Grapes have arrived at wineries across the Valley and it's almost time to crush.

A North Valley winery is inviting the community to join in on the annual event.

The seasonal crush about 6-8 weeks ahead of schedule this year, mostly due to the warmer winter. The process starts with sorting the grapes, then to crushing the juice, and finally into fermentation tanks.

After the magic has happened the wine is moved to barrels for aging. Depending on the wine and the goals of the winemaker, the wine will rest in the barrels for about 9-18 months, if they actually go to a barrel.

One ton of grapes makes approximately 75 cases of wine. There are approximately 500 grapes in every bottle, 75-100 grapes in every cluster, and 1 cluster of grapes in every glass. One barrel of wine produces 24 cases of wine, on average.

Cru produces 14,000 cases per year, all with only 3 full time cellar staff and their winemaker. They have two labels: the Cru label is solely chardonnay and pinot noir, and the Mariposa label are single varietal blends. Both have been gaining in popularity recently as well as garnering major recognition at competitions state-wide, as well as nationally.

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Cru's Annual Grape Stomp

Saturday, October 11th from 12 pm-3 pm

$25 for Cru Wine Club members | $30 for non-members

Stemless glass, t-shirt, and friendly competition included.

Pedicures not included, but strongly encouraged.

Light lunch provided.

Music by Marie Wilson Band .

Sign up by calling 559.673.6372 or online at cruwinecompany.com