Nestled in the picturesque Irish Hills, just off of US-12, sits a restored 1870s schoolhouse that has become home to one of Southeast Michigan's most unique traditions.
For more than 20 years, Cherry Creek Cellars has welcomed guests each September for its annual Harvest Party and Grape Stomp. This event signifies the transition from the carefree days of summer to the bounty of fall while officially marking the beginning of the winery's harvest season. The tradition began at Cherry Creek's original vineyard near Parma, where the winery created the event to celebrate its very first harvest. "While we no longer have that vineyard, the tradition remains a staple at Cherry Creek," owner Patrick Spensley said. "To my knowledge, we are the only local winery holding such an event." This year's Harvest Party will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 9pm and will feature music, beverages, and the evening's signature grape-stomping competition. Live music from Act III will kick off the festivities, setting the stage for a fun, relaxed evening, where guests can sip handcrafted Michigan wines, craft beer, and award-winning cider while taking in the scenic views of Cherry Creek's five-acre vineyard estate before the evening's featured event begins. Once everyone has settled in, the band will take an intermission around 7pm for the highlight of the evening: the annual grape-stomping competition. Teams of two will battle it out by stomping grapes in large vats for a set amount of time to claim the title of Cherry Creek Grape Stomp Champion. Anyone interested in competing can register at the outdoor bar upon arrival. Approximately 15 minutes before the competition begins, 16 teams will be randomly selected from those who sign up. The competition follows a bracket-style format with four preliminary rounds featuring four teams each. The winner of each round will advance to the championship round, where one team will earn the coveted 2026 Cherry Creek Grape Stomp Champion title, along with a trophy, a bottle of wine for each team member, and — perhaps most importantly — yearlong bragging rights. After the champion is crowned, Act III will return to the stage to keep the party going. "You'll see all kinds of fun throughout the evening," Spensley said. "Previously, we've seen people come dressed as Lucille Ball from her famous grape-stomping scene; contestants in purple leotards as a de facto team uniform; and, of course, lots of grape juice flying when the stomping begins." Food will be available for purchase throughout the night, giving guests plenty of options to enjoy while listening to music and cheering on the competitors. Cherry Creek's on-site cafe will offer a limited menu, including charcuterie, dips, baguette and pesto oil, and wraps. Ben's Islands Grindz food truck will also be on site, serving Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Guests planning to attend with a larger group are encouraged to reserve one of the winery's outdoor picnic tables for $60. The reservation includes the cover charge for up to eight guests, making it the perfect option for groups of friends looking to spend the evening together. Flying solo or grabbing a few friends? No problem. The winery still has plenty of open space to revel in the festivities. Guests can bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs and relax while enjoying their food, their beverages, and the festivities. A $5 cover will be collected at the door. "It's a great way to celebrate the season," Spensley said of the event. "For us, it's a fun way to start the craziness of harvest season. But, for customers, it's the culmination of a summer of fun."Cherry Creek Cellars
517-592-4663
11500 Silver Lake Hwy, Brooklyn
T-Th,Sun 12-6, F 12-10, Sat 11-10
cherrycreekwine.com
