Ever wondered what goes into a bottle of world-class Heathcote Shiraz? At The Shiraz Republic, we believe the best way to learn isn’t by reading a label—it’s by getting knee-deep in the grapes yourself.
Our Stomping Parties are officially back for the harvest season, and they are the ultimate "un-refined" wine experience. If you’re tired of stiff tastings and want a day of sun, Shiraz, and soul, here is why you need to join the revolution.
Forget the high-tech machinery and clinical laboratories. We’re taking winemaking back to its roots—literally. A Stomping Party is a full-day, hands-on festival where you become the winemaker. You’ll help us harvest the fruit, process the grapes, and yes, jump into the vats for a traditional foot-stomp.
1. The Morning Harvest The day kicks off in the heart of our vineyard. Under the Heathcote sun, we’ll show you how to pick the perfect bunch. There’s something incredibly meditative about moving through the rows, snips in hand, surrounded by the aroma of ripe Shiraz grapes.
2. The Crush & The Stomp Once the buckets are full, we head back to the winery. After the grapes pass through the crusher-destemmer, it’s time for the main event. Shoes off, pants rolled up, and into the vats you go!
Foot-stomping (or pigeage) isn't just for the 'Gram—it’s a traditional technique used to break down the berries and submerge the skins in the juice. This ensures we extract that deep, rich colour and those bold tannins that Heathcote is famous for. Plus, it feels pretty amazing.
3. Pizza, Pints, and Play Winemaking is thirsty work. Once the "work" is done, the party begins. Our cellar door transforms into a festival hub. Grab a wood-fired pizza, pour yourself a glass of our signature Shiraz, or if you’ve had enough grapes for the day, try a cold craft beer from our on-site Cornella Brewery. With live music playing into the afternoon, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the harvest.
We get asked all the time: "Is it sanitary?" The answer is a resounding yes! Between the natural acidity of the grapes and the high-sugar environment that quickly turns into alcohol during fermentation, no bacteria from your feet can survive the process. It’s a time-honoured tradition for a reason!
Whether you’re a local or making the trip from Melbourne, we have two ways to get involved:
Harvest only happens once a year, and spots for our Day Pass Stomping Parties fill up fast. Grab your tickets, bring a hat, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little wine-stained!
👉 Check out our upcoming dates and book your spot here!
