A flatbed trailer with stacked bins full of beautifully ripe grapes is a sure sign that the stomp is about to begin.

On Sept. 7, the annual Grape Stomp Festa took place at the Menghini Winery. Visitors had the opportunity to taste different wines, beers and hard ciders from a variety of local wineries and breweries. There were also several food and craft vendors and Italian inspired music.

Those with VIP tickets were able to take advantage of seating under a tent along with specialty snacks, drinks and preferred parking.

For most of the afternoon, people were lined up to climb into one of the two vats to stomp the grapes. Before the stomping began, Pastor Cindy Arntson from the Community United Methodist Church of Julian, blessed the grapes. Those who took part in the stomping of the grapes were able to purchase a T-shirt that said "Stomping out PTSD" that could be "decorated" with their freshly grape-christened feet.

Proceeds from this year's event, which is in its 23rd year, went to benefit the Inner North Star PTSD Retreat Center in Julian. The nonproft organization provides retreats to veterans and first responders.

Visit http://www.innernorthstarptsdretreatcenter.org to make a tax-deductible donation and for more information about the center.

If you missed this event, be sure to visit the Julian Chamber of Commerce website at http://www.visitjulian.com.