WINE HARVEST BEGINS WITH PUBLIC STOMPING OF THE GRAPES

EGG HARBOR CITY-- One of the country's oldest continuously operating wineries is located right here in South Jersey and they are kicking off their harvest season with a celebrated local tradition known as the grape stomping. Our own Jennifer Husko joined in on the action as the wine making begins.

It's an age-old tradition that is celebrated here at The Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City. It’s the grape stomping time of the year, marking the beginning of Renault’s harvest season that goes through October. And they're celebrating by doing things the way they were done a long time ago. "What we do is give them 10 to 12 pounds of grapes, allow them to stomp it and then when they crush them with their feet, put juice in barrels and give them their juice to go home with...what are we going to do with it?” said Renault Winery’s owner, Joseph Milza.

And for those of you who haven't seen the episode of "I Love Lucy" where the fearless red head gives the old fashioned wine making process a shot, her look-a-like is here to spread some cheer. "Something different and I always like Lucy, so the experience was fun."

Hundreds stand in line each year to get in on the action. “Oh it's a great time, great time, kids love it we love it!"

This is a lot more fun, were having a ball! I assure you the days when wine was made by foot are long gone, they have something a little more high tech that gets the job done faster. "We only stomp for fun...laughter...and you know we do!" said Renault tour guide, Suzanne Dawson.

This tour group is learning that during harvest, after the grapes are picked by hand, a de-stemmer separates the grapes and breaks the skin, transforming it into what's known as 'must' or lumpy grape soup. They are then brought here to the press room. "This big press gently squeezes 3 and a half tons of grapes at a pop."

The juice then ages one to several years depending on the variety and then it's bottled and sold.

But as for this white wine made by foot...”We don't know if we'll ever drink this...but 7 years maybe." Guess you better leave wine making to the experts.

If you missed the fun, The Renault Winery will be holding another grape stomping at the end of their harvest season during the Octoberfest celebration on October 4th.