(Grape) Stomp Away the Weekend at Little Mo Wine & Spirits

LEFFERTS GARDENS, BROOKLYN — Mark Schwartz said that after opening Little Mo Wine & Spirits on Nostrand Avenue 11 months ago, he "very quickly became fixated on the idea of doing a stomp, which I've never seen or participated in."

A grape stomp, he means, the traditional wine making activity immortalized in 1950's documentary footage starring Lucille Ball:

On Oct. 15, Schwartz will host his own family-friendly grape stomp, this one from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in front of his store, located at 1125 Nostrand Ave.

Schwartz, who said he started Little Mo after seeing similar businesses take root in Crown Heights, noted that he enjoys being part of the small business community on Nostrand Avenue, and that he's interested in "just bringing back that kind of commercial and residential feel that makes things feel meaningful in a neighborhood."

Mark Schwartz of Little Mo Wine & Spirits

Schwartz said he's bringing about 120 pounds of grapes to the stomp. Participants can help de-stem them, and then stomp away inside two troughs. He said the activity will hopefully generate about 10-12 gallons of juice and, after fermentation, five bottles of wine.

The owner said that stomping grapes by foot may produce wine with less tart tannins. While he won't be able to sell the product, anyone would be free to try it when it's ready next year.

During the stomp, visitors will also be able to sample the store's wines, liquors and sakes, while free food samples will be provide by Desserts by Michael Allen and other area businesses.

If anyone wants to stomp without getting their feet dirty, plastic bags will be provided, Schwartz said. And he offered one piece of advice to parents whose children might be especially enthusiastic about the activity: the kids "should wear play clothes."

If you have any questions about the stomp, you can email them to mo@littlemowine.com.

Pictured at top: Little Mo Wine & Spirits. Photos by John V. Santore