Fine Wine and Arts Festival Returns to Wheaton

Submitted by the Wheaton Park District

The Downtown Wheaton Association and the Wheaton Park District are partnering together once again to present a lively and collaborative event featuring wine tasting, fine art, and musical entertainment. The Wine and Cultural Arts Festival will take place in Wheaton’s Memorial Park on Saturday, September 20 from 12-6 pm.

Wine enthusiasts will enjoy tasting wine from all over North America and the globe, says Executive Director of the Downtown Wheaton Association, Paula Barrington: “Throughout last year’s festival, people repeatedly expressed their hope that we would schedule the Wheaton Wine and Cultural Arts Festival again in 2014. Attendees enthused over the vast selection and quality of the wines offered throughout the day and they loved the park setting for the event with live background music being piped throughout the park. Based on such overwhelming positive feedback, we knew we must make this an annual Wheaton event.”

The festival will feature wine from all over the nation and the globe, allowing participants to sample a variety of spirits and order their favorites to take home. Paul Barrington says the event offers “wine novices and aficionados the ability to taste over 70 fine wines from across the country and the world. Based on last year’s selections, festival attendees can expect rich and earthy Malbecs for red wine lovers and crisp Rieslings to take you from summer into fall.”

While they sip and sample, festival goers can peruse the work of local artists. These artisans—including painters, sculptors, glass blowers, jewelry designers, and textile artists—will also be demonstrating their work, giving attendees a front-row seat to observe the creative process. In addition to wine and art, the festival entertainment will include a back drop of live music.

Throughout the day, each attendee will be given the chance to vote for their favorite wine. The winning wine will be featured in at least one downtown Wheaton restaurant for the coming year. Paula Barrington is particularly excited about this contest: “It’s a great way to engage the public and build anticipation for next year’s event.”

Tickets for the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival are $25 on pre-sale or $30 at the door. Both options include a souvenir glass and 12 tastings. There is a $5 cover for entry without wine. Attendees 20 and under are free. Beer, wine, soda, and food will be available for purchase. Wheaton’s Memorial Park is located at 208 West Union Avenue, bound by Wheaton Avenue, Union Avenue, Hale Street, and Seminary Avenue. To learn more about The Wine and Cultural Arts Festival and buy tickets, visit the Wheaton Park District website atwheatonparkdistrict.com/waca.