You don't have to travel to Napa to experience wine. The Mid-Atlantic offers a plethora of wine-related events to enthusiasts interested in recreation, entertainment, culture, history and education.
Wine on the Mountain Festival in Jim Thorpe, Penn.
Penn’s Peak, located at 325 Maury Road in Jim Thorpe, Penn., is the site for the annual Wine on the Mountain festival. The event, which highlights tastings from eight wineries, is held Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29, from noon to 5 p.m. The setting promises to be breathtaking, with views of Beltzville Lake and the Pocono Mountains. Local artists and crafters will sell their wares and food, and live music will provide a backdrop for the festival. Tickets go on sale in July for $14 in advance or $16 at the door. Information is available at www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com.
Wine Fest at the Beach in Ocean City, Md.
The 17th Annual Wine Fest at the Beach will kick off Friday, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m. and continue until 7 p.m., then resume on Saturday for the same schedule. The festival takes place in Ocean City, Md., and features East Coast wineries, cuisine, arts, crafts and local live music. Tickets go on sale after Aug. 15 at the Ocean City Convention Center, or call 1-800-OC-OCEAN until Sept. 27. General admission is $25 and includes a souvenir glass, one-day admission and tasting coupons. For more information, check out winefest.com.
Sunday Sounds at Chateau Morrisette in Floyd, Va.
Chateau Morrisette Winery, 287 Winery Road SW, Floyd, Va., hosts free, family-friendly events from June through October on Sunday afternoons. Local musicians and artists perform and grilled foods, drinks and wine are sold. Patrons are invited to bring their own picnic. The event begins at noon and concludes at 4 p.m. Information is available at 540-593-2865 or www.chateaumorrisette.com.
Wine Camp at Veramar Vineyard in Berryville, Va.
Veramar Vineyard at 905 Quarry Road, Berryville, Va., offers a private event for wine and food lovers and those in search of in-depth wine knowledge. It includes a workshop on wine aroma and blending, viticulture field work and wine tastings over three days and two nights. Camp includes lodging, meals, tastings and exclusive vineyard and winery access. Double occupancy is $1,500. Call 540-955-5510 or visit www.veramar.com/wine-camp for more.
The Washington Wine Academy in D.C.
The Washington Wine Academy (WWA) was founded in the D.C. Metro Area to promote wine education. The premier wine school features monthly courses and hosts 300 wine-related events annually. Classes range from introductory wine and food pairings to wine industry certifications. The cost is $36, and registration and monthly schedules are available online. Most courses last an hour and include tastings with cheese, crackers, chocolates and water on the side. For details, visit www.washingtonwineacademy.org.
The Mid-Atlantic showcases a variety of wine-related events throughout the year for enthusiasts. From introductory courses and relaxing festivals to musical afternoons and weekend camps, there's something for everyone.
