This outdoor festival will prove everyone can be a “wineaux.” “A lot of people think wine is out-of-reach,” said Greg Nivens, president of Moorea Marketing, and promoter of the International Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival in Annapolis.
“Slowly but surely, that image of wine has changed over the last few years. The majority of states in the nation now have a winery industry, and so there?s a lot of grapes being grown and the culture is becoming less hoity-toity. More people are getting to taste wine,” said Greg Nivens
There will be wine tastings in tents spread throughout the grounds including Maryland?s Boordy Vineyards, St. Michaels Winery, Basignani, and Cove Point Winery. Wineries from other states include Alexander Valley Vineyards, Sterling Vineyards, and BlackstoneWinery from California, and Hazlitt Vineyards from New York State. Freixenet from Spain and Penfolds from Australiawill also have stations at the event.
Food vendors will range from a local farm raising bison to national food chains. Cooks will demonstrate throughout the day at a gourmet live tent, including Bravo Network’s Top Chef Winner, Ilan Hall.
The festival will host the first annual Great Grapes! Stomp-Off, featuring TV and radio personalities facing off against festival attendees. Each team?s entry fee will go towards the Anne Arundel County Arts Council.
IF YOU GO
International Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival
» When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
» Venue: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Annapolis
» Tickets: $20 Onsite or $18 in advance
