Oenophiles looking for a getaway not far from home should take note of the 15th annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival that takes place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, in Elkin, N.C. Showcasing the top wineries from North Carolina wine country, the festival will give you the chance to sample from 30 wineries that are either located in the Yadkin Valley — known for producing classic-style wines — or use grapes harvested from Yadkin vineyards. Plenty of winery reps will be on hand to answer questions and help educate visitors on different varietals.
In addition to wine tastings, the festival will offer food and crafts, as well as music from Taylor Vaden's Tribute to Elvis and Phatt City, a beach music and R&B band. For even more wine-themed fun, kids can take part in a grape stomp between sets.
Tickets for the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival will run you $22 in advance, or $30 at the gate. (Active duty and retired military can purchase day-of tickets for just $20.) VIP packages that include preferential parking and access to the hospitality tent are available for $100.
Shuttle service is available for $5 per person to and from participating hotels, including Elkin: the Fairfield Inn & Suites and Elk Inn in Elkin, and the Best Western, Comfort Inn, Days Inn and Hampton Inn in Jonesville, N.C.
You may even want to plan on heading in a day early to catch the 10th annual Yadkin Valley Wine Auction & Gala, which takes place 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. at The Liberty in downtown Elkin the night before the festival, Friday, May 20. Dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions are all part of the gala-style affair with proceeds benefiting the Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital Foundation. You'll be able to bid on everything from furniture and home decor items to travel packages, college football tickets and more. Tickets are $50 per person. For information, call 336-527-7094
For more info on the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival and related activities that weekend in North Carolina wine country, visit www.YVWF.com or call 336-526-1111. You can explore lodging options at www.YadkinValleyNC.com.
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