The ancient practice of treading grapes by foot is no longer used in the making of commercial wines.The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

Trading grapes by foot is not only a tradition that is still practiced in some countries, it’s a uniquely effective way of crushing red grapes and mixing them with the grapes’ juice, all without breaking down the grape seeds (which contain significant astringent tannin). The human foot, as it turns out, is nearly perfect as a grape-crushing device. Grape treading is notable especially in Portugal, where a number of top firms still employ the practice in making lush, deeply colored Vintage Ports.