Every fall, the bluffs above the Missouri River come alive with one of Rocheport’s most beloved traditions — the Crush Festival at Les Bourgeois Vineyards. Part harvest celebration, part community gathering, it draws visitors from across the region for an afternoon of grape stomping, live music, and small-town fall at its best.
What is the Crush Festival?
Held each September at the A-Frame Winegarden at Les Bourgeois, the Crush Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration of the grape harvest that has been a Rocheport tradition for decades.
The 2025 edition took place on Sunday, September 28, from 11am to 5pm, and it was a landmark year: Les Bourgeois marked its 40th anniversary. The winery was founded by Curtis “Doc” and Martha Bourgeois in 1985, on land the family had bought back in 1974 — four decades of winemaking on the Missouri River bluffs, which is worth a good stomp.
What to expect
- Grape stomping — the main event. You climb into a barrel and crush grapes the old-fashioned way. Fair warning: it’s slippery, it’s purple, and it’s completely worth it.
- Live music — the 2025 festival featured Ty Toomsen & The Twang City Smokers from Columbia, playing 1–4pm.
- Kids’ activities — pumpkin painting and crafts keep the younger set busy while the grown-ups work through the wine list.
- Les Bourgeois wines — the Winegarden is open, of course, with the full lineup by the glass or bottle.
About Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Les Bourgeois is Missouri’s third-largest winery, perched above the river just west of Rocheport. It’s co-owned by Jacob and Rachel Holman, who took over the business in 2019, with Rachel as CEO. For the full story — the wines, the A-Frame, and where to stay — see our Les Bourgeois Vineyards profile.
Plan your visit
The Crush Festival is typically held on a Sunday in late September, and admission has historically been free. The A-Frame Winegarden sits at Les Bourgeois just west of Rocheport on Highway BB. Check the winery’s own site, missouriwine.com, closer to fall for the next year’s date and details. And while you’re in town, make a day of it — Rocheport’s shops, galleries, and the Katy Trail are all within a short walk or ride.
Festival date, lineup, and 40th-anniversary details confirmed on Les Bourgeois’ own site (missouriwine.com).