5 must-dos during the Geneva Grape Jamboree
Since 1964 Geneva, Ohio has celebrated the annual grape harvest during the Grape Jamboree throughout the fourth weekend of September. Considering the region produces 50% of Ohio’s grapes, it’s only fitting the community comes together to have a “grape time.” When attending the annual event you have to try these five must-dos at the Geneva Grape Jamboree:
Purple Cow
A simple grape juice with vanilla ice cream is a must-do for many locals. Though this sweet treat can be replicated at home, the aerator machine provides an extra dose of nostalgic flavor. “We see them [festival attendees] all day long and they say ‘I’ve got to have my purple cow,’” Pam Wooding said.
Local Wine
A visit to Geneva, OH would not be complete without visiting local wineries. Finding Festivals visited Ferrante Winery and Ristorante and participated in a proper wine tasting with winemaker Nick Ferrante. While tasting some of the winemaker’s favorite creations Golden Bunches stood out. “ In 2010 this [Golden Bunches] won the best white wine in the Riverside California Wine Competition. That was a huge award to win especially out in California. That was a big feather in our cap,” Nick Ferrante said.
Grape Stomping
Every year the community gathers at the main stage for the Grape Stomping competition. As a first-timer, grape stomping wasn’t what I expected. The grapes were gushy, cold and all over the place by the end of my round but I did have fun.
Grape Ice Cream
The must-eat treat is the Grape Ice cream according to local and country musician Nick Walker. “I think they make special batches every year,” Nick said. Grape-flavored ice cream may not be a first choice but it is well worth trying at the Geneva Grape Jamboree.
Geneve Grape Jamboree Parade
A crowd favorite and Miss Grapette’s recommendation the Geneva Grape Jamboree Parade is full of themed floats, performances and familiar faces.
It’s a “Grape Time” at the Geneva Grape Jamboree. Catch the full episode of Finding Festivals featuring the Grape Jamboree on WGTE or stream on PBS here.
Special thank you to the Geneva Grape Jamboree committee for the in-kind donation of accommodations while filming.
Finding Festivals is independently produced by HayRobin Media Productions LLC.
Special thank you to Dead Shark Productions LLC (film crew), Micheal Desanto and WGTE.