Best of the Best Wine Tasting Events

A favorite summer/fall indulgence of many are wine festivals. Unlike other events, wine festivals allow opportunities to enjoy the warm season, try new foods and more importantly sample delicious wines. If you have not had a chance to participate in one as of yet, here are several great wine events across the nation:

Kerrville Wine and Music Festival, Kerrville, Texas Sept 4-6: The Kerrville Wine and Music Festival is one of the largest wine festivals in Texas. Each labor day weekend, wine and music lovers gather at the Quiet Valley Ranch in the Texas hill country to celebrate the art of songwriting and winemaking. The festival features the newest and best wines that Texas has to offer in addition to performances by dozens of the world’s best songwriters. For details visit kerrvillefolkfestival.com

Euphoria, Greenvill, SC Sept. 18-2: Wine seminars, live jazz music and hor' dourves created by some of South Carolina's renowned chefs is what you will get at the Euphoria wine event. This amazing event is a true example of "southern class" as you will tour local wineries and relax with friendly people: http://www.euphoriagreenville.com/

Catalina Wine Tasting, CatalinaIsland, CA Sept. 26: For the eleventh year, the Orange County Wine Society will be hosting the Catalina Island Wine Tasting sponsored by the Catalina Island Women’s Forum. This event will feature hand passed appetizers, live music, a silent auction and wines from a variety of wineries. In addition, this event supports a great cause. All proceeds from the event will go towards the support of victims of domestic violence, the Woman’s Wellness Program, student mentoring, and scholarship programs. The tasting will be held in the Courtyard of the Pavilion Hotel, located in downtown Avalon on Crescent Street: http://www.ocws.org/newsletters/catalina.htm

Wine Fest on the Beach, Ocean City, MD Oct 2&3: Wine Fest on the Beach is the Delmar Beach areas major annual wine celebration. It features some of the best wineries and breweries in the US. It also has samples of the best of the Delmar areas local cuisines and an arts and crafts show: http://www.winefest.com/

Harvest on the Harbor Portland, Maine, October 22-24: Maine's premier food and wine experience. A culinary mecca, Portland proves the perfect locale for a weekend with top chefs and international wines. The festival will offer tastings, seminars, and dinners featuring local cuisines. Highlights include tastings with caviar retailer Browne Trading Company, the "seafood supplier to the stars." Festivities conclude with a gala dinner by master chef David Pasternack: harvestontheharbor.com.