A romp stompin' good time
Mont Belvieu resident Jon Finney sings and entertains guests at Yepez Vineyard's Annual Grape Stomp.
Jim DuBose steps onto his shirt with help from Xavier Benauides and Nancy Perez at Yepez Vineyard's Annual Grape Stomp.
Xavier Benauides and Nancy Perez help Sharon Filipich step onto her shirt after she stomped on grapes at Yepez Vineyard's Annual Grape Stomp.
Shirts from the Yepez Vineyard's Annual Grape Stomp sway in the wind as the juice from the grapes dries.
Stacey Peace dances as she stomps on grapes at Yepez Vineyard's Annual Grape Stomp.
Steven and Dee Irwin stomp grapes before stepping on a T-shirt together at Yepez Vineyard's Annual Grape Stomp.
BAYTOWN — With each step, the ripe grapes pop under your toes to create a deep purple juice. You could almost smell the wine as you stomp.
Chambers County locals gathered to sip wine, stomp on grapes and shop at local vendors at Yepez Vineyard's 19th Annual Grape Stomp.
"A lot of repeaters, which I love. That, to me, is the biggest compliment," said Lena Yepez, owner and operator of the vineyard.
One regular, Carla Chapman, has been visiting for about eight years. She's hosted many birthdays and attended two weddings at the vineyard.
"It's very family-oriented. Her whole family works here. They know us. They're very sweet people," Chapman said.
She spoke of David Yepez, owner of the vineyard, being the assistant principal while her son was in middle school. Now in his 20s, the son is able to visit the vineyard.
David Yepez, now assistant principal at Goose Creek Memorial High School, said many of his students come to the vineyard once they reach 21.
"It's a different scene. We're outside and we're not in the hustle and bustle of concrete. It's somewhere where you can come relax and get away from the every day and kinda detox," Lena Yepez said.
Local vendors at the event included Greg's Great Grilling, Charm Candle Co., Julie's Craft Boutique, Palley's Pecans, Tin Lizzy Spice Company and Young Living Ningxia. Guests could enjoy live music by Mont Belvieu local Jon Finney.
Vendor Julie's Craft Boutique plans to visit the vineyard soon as Julie Villareal will host a wreath-making class.
"I've known Lena for many years and she asked me if I would be willing to collaborate with her on a wreath class," Villareal said. "I love being here."
In January, the vineyard will reach its 21st year of operation. The vineyard began as an overgrown rice field with many vehicles, boats and a house on the lot. Lena and David Yepez, with the help of family, cleared the plot to build the vineyard into what it is today.
The Yepez family created and planted everything from the grape plants and trees to the main building and pergola. The vineyard focuses on Blanc du Bois and Black Spanish grapes to create their wines.
Yepez Vineyard hosts wine tastings, weddings, birthdays, canvas classes and private grape stompings for events. To stay updated on various events, check out their Facebook page.