TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University’s Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research will host its annual Grape Harvest Festival on Saturday, August 23, at its vineyard research facility located at 6361 Mahan Drive.

The annual event celebrates FAMU’s leadership in grape and small fruit research through a colorful mix of community activities, family-friendly fun and agricultural education. A crowd favorite each year, the grape stomping competition will return with new twists and prizes, giving attendees a chance to channel their inner winemaker.

“We are not just another festival: we are a destination for the community to learn about the wine and grape industry in the state of Florida, the newest research and educational achievements, and the greater entrepreneurship opportunities,” said Dean Dale Wesson, Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Food Sciences.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with registration opening at 8 a.m. and an official welcome ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m.

Festival Highlights include:

• Guided vineyard tours and educational demonstrations
• Wine and grape tastings, with an optional wine-and-cheese pairing experience
• Grape-stomping contests, U-Pick grape activities and family games
• Live music, water slides and a health fair

More than 60 local vendors and community organizations will be onsite with food, merchandise, and information booths.

“This festival is where science meets community,” said Violeta M. Tsolova, Ph.D., professor and director of the Center. “It’s our opportunity to share not just our research, but our passion for viticulture and the role agriculture plays in everyday life.”

Admission and Parking:

• General admission: $10
• Wine and cheese tasting: $15
• Free admission for children under 12 and FAMU students with valid ID
• Seniors 65 and older receive a 20% discount
• Non-FAMU students receive a 50% discount with student ID

Free parking will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Antique Car Museum, 6800 Mahan Drive. Shuttles to the vineyard will run every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day.

About the Center:

Established in 1978 under the Florida Viticulture Policy Act, FAMU’s Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in warm-climate grape research. It houses the world’s largest collection of muscadine grape germplasm and serves as one of five National Clean Plant Centers for Grapes under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information, call (850) 599-3996.

Media Contact:

Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu 

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