Salute to Grapevine’s 24th annual Grapefest

Largest Wine Festival in the Southwest U.S. – September 16 – 19, 2010

edited by Madelyn Miller, The TravelLady

In a few days, I am leaving on a trip to the wine regions of Chile. And what could be a nicer welcome home event than a wine festival in my own backyard.

Grapevine’s 24th annual GrapeFest – Super Times. Super Wines. – will once again celebrate the best of Texas wine on September 16, 17, 18 and 19. Enjoy award-winning wine and culinary treats perfectly paired with the fun and excitement of Historic Downtown Grapevine at the largest wine festival in the Southwest. Wine lovers and their families can experience a number of activities, including: Grapevine Winery Tasting Room Tours, Culinary Pavilion, GrapeFest Tennis Classic, KidZone, GrapeStomp, People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic – the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation, six stages of entertainment and much more!

Named for the wild Mustang grapes that blanketed the land when settlers first arrived to the area in 1844, the City of Grapevine is an internationally recognized leader and trendsetter in the wine industry. The annual festival showcases this historic town and its love for Texas wine while putting the State of Texas on the map for all wine connoisseurs. Offering four full days of family festival fun and a number of unique events leading up to the festival, GrapeFest truly is a one-of-a-kind event with something for everyone.

Dedicated wine drinkers can come kick off the festival one week before at the GrapeFest Vintners’ Auction Classic. This premiere event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Grapevine Convention Center. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in both silent and live auctions which benefit the Grapevine Heritage Foundation and the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association. The lavish auction will feature rare and collectible wines, domestic travel packages, antiques and incredible works of art. The Vintners’ Auction is an sophisticated event open to the public and the perfect way to prepare for a weekend of wine at GrapeFest 2010.

The perfect Texas Pairing

What else goes nicely with fine wine? Try a beautiful day outside playing the great game of golf! The GrapeFest Golf Classic will take place on Friday, Sept. 10 at the Grapevine Golf Course. Tee off will take place in the afternoon, and the tourney guarantees a great time. So, grab your clubs and hit the golf course to swing in this year’s GrapeFest in style.

Get in the Swing of things

If golf isn’t your preferred sport, come out to Hilton DFW Lakes as the City of Grapevine hosts the 19th Annual Tennis Classic on Sept. 10-12. Everyone is invited to come watch players compete at this USTA event with proceeds going to the Grapevine Heritage Foundation.

During GrapeFest, the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic is always a festival favorite featuring some of Texas’ finest wines in the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation. Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state and guests will have the chance to sample over 125 Texas wines submitted from approximately 30+ Texas wineries. Participants will receive a Wine Reference Guide, tasting notes on each wine being served, an official voting ballot and a commemorative wine glass. Hurry and get your tickets fast because wine lovers are always thirsty for this incredible event!

Other exciting GrapeFest features include:

- Grapevine Winery Tasting Room Tours
- Texas Wine Tribute Dinner
- GrapeStomp
- Culinary Pavilion
- ItalianCarFest
- Live Music on six stages
- Great Festival Food
- Arts & Crafts Booths
- Carnival & Midway Games
- GrapeFest Mini-Excursions on Grapevine Vintage Railroad
- KidZone
- Much, much more!

GrapeFest will open on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m., and as an added bonus, admission is free to everyone all day Thursday and Friday until 5 p.m.! Hours are Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission prices are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and children (6-12). Weekend passes are available for $18 and souvenir weekend passes are $23. Admission is free for children five and under.

Uncork the fun for the largest wine festival in the Southwest and visit Historic Downtown Grapevine for GrapeFest 2010. For more information, call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-457-6338 or 817-410-3185 or visit www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who loves wine and food festivals. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogyaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com