The story below is from our July/August 2015 issue. For the full story download our FREE iOS app or view our digital edition for FREE today!
One of the year’s most anticipated events, the fifth annual Vinton Wine and Food Festival showcases more than a dozen wineries and breweries.
Surrounded by so many wonderful vineyards, wineries and breweries throughout the region, Vinton is a prime location for the beloved Vinton Wine and Food Festival, held each year in May at the War Memorial. The Vinton Wine Festival, sponsored by Freedom First, Vinton McDonald’s, the Gillespie Agency and the Town of Vinton, is in its fifth year and has expanded to include even more vendors, from Chateau Morrisette tastings and Baylee’s Best Chocolates to jewelry, makeup and more.
“It is a great opportunity to sample some local wines, while also expanding your wine knowledge,” says Courtney Ashby, who has attended the event for the past three years with her husband, Mark. “You may have never tried a lot of different varieties of wine, so this is a perfect opportunity to try many wines at a great price.”
And this year, it isn’t just wine. Local breweries are new to the festival and offer craft beer tastings, a testament to the expanding palette and interest in local products of all varieties.
The vendors enjoy being a part of the festival almost as much as the attendees. Amie Foutz, an independent stylist for Stella and Dot, has attended the festival in the past and is excited to support the event as a vendor.
“I feel like anytime we can support small local business we should,” Foutz says. “I have lived in Vinton for 23 years, and I really enjoy getting together with friends at the wine festival.”
More than 1,500 tickets were sold for the 2015 wine festival, according to Angie Chewning, executive director of the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the annual event. This year, Attimo Winery of Christiansburg was voted “People’s Choice” by wine festival attendees.
It is the setting of the festival that makes it so unique, says Lewis. And the sight of dozens of paper hats crafted by attendees scattered across the War Memorial lawn.
More Annual Events
Winter Concert: Myrtle Beach-based band, Tru Sol, performs each February at The Woodland Place, where guests enjoy the concert, dinner and dancing.
Senior Expo: The Vinton War Memorial hosts this annual expo in March, featuring informative talks, demonstrations and a variety of vendor booths such as retirement communities, banks and financial planners.
Vinton Dogwood Festival: Each year this five-day festival draws hundreds of residents with carnival activities, music, food and the parade.
Relay for Life: One of the town’s biggest events, Relay for Life is held in late April or early May and benefits the American Cancer Society.
Farmers Market: Opening in May, the Farmers Market includes special weekend events, such as Mingle at the Market on the second Saturday of each month from June to September.
Vinton Chamber Golf Tournament: Golf lovers can take advantage of this fundraising event in September held at various golf courses throughout the area.
Vinton Fall Festival: Downtown Vinton is transformed each October into a fun and festive setting complete with live entertainment, food vendors, children’s activities and the annual 5K run.
Trick-or-Treating: This event is fun for the whole family as downtown business open their doors for trick-or-treaters near Halloween.
Vinton Christmas Parade: Kick off the holiday season with floats, music and Santa at the annual December parade.
New Year’s Eve Gala: This reservation-only event is held at the War Memorial, the perfect setting to ring in the New Year.
For more information on these events, contact the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce at 540-343-1364 or www.vintonchamber.com.
