When did people stop stomping grapes to make wine?

It's a common misconception that people stopped stomping grapes to make wine! Stomping grapes is still done today, although it's more of a traditional method and not the standard practice for large-scale wine production.

Here's a breakdown:

* Historically: Stomping grapes was the most common method for centuries, dating back to ancient times. It was a simple, hands-on way to crush the fruit and release its juice.

* Modern Techniques: Mechanical presses have largely replaced stomping in commercial winemaking. These machines efficiently extract juice while controlling the pressure and avoiding over-extraction.

* Traditional and Specialty Wines: Stomping grapes is still popular in some regions and wineries that emphasize traditional methods or seek specific flavors.

* Experiential Winemaking: Many wineries offer "stomp your own grapes" experiences, allowing visitors to participate in this age-old tradition.

So, while stomping grapes isn't the primary method for making wine today, it's still done, both for tradition and for those seeking a unique flavor or experience.