Attendees of all ages explored the 45-acre vineyard, stomped grapes, sampled wines, and browsed local crafts, while live music and the aroma of fresh cuisine filled the air. The festival also featured educational twists, including wine-making workshops, and guided trailer tours through rows of grapevines. For thrill-seekers, water slides and quirky competitions—like grape-throwing and hula hoop contests—added playful energy, while the 5K/2K Vineyard Run/Walk and a health fair underscored the event’s wellness focus.
“This festival isn’t just about celebrating harvest traditions—it’s a gateway to understanding FAMU’s impact on sustainable agriculture,” said Dr. G. Dale Wesson, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences. “We’re bridging community joy with cutting-edge science.”
That science was on full display at the research center, home to the world’s most extensive muscadine grape germplasm collection and one of only five National Clean Plant Centers for Grapes in the U.S. Since 1978, the FAMU Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research has driven breakthroughs in disease-resistant grape cultivation, supporting farmers and vintners nationwide.
Local vendors and students alike praised the festival’s dual emphasis on education and engagement. “My kids learned how grapes go from vine to wine, and I discovered FAMU’s research is shaping agriculture globally,” said Marcus Greene, a Tallahassee parent. “It’s inspiring to see this in our backyard.”
As the sun set on the vineyard, families departed with bags of local goods, newfound knowledge, and stained purple feet—a testament to a day where community and science fermented into something extraordinary. With plans already brewing for next year’s festival, FAMU continues to prove that its roots in agriculture and viticulture run as deep as the vines it nurtures.