This fall, Ocean City combines many people's two favorite things: wine and the beach.
During the weekend of September 27 and 28, Marylanders can head to the beach for Ocean City's 25th annual Wine Fest. This fun event is also called "Wine on the Beach" and features local wineries from all over the state, including Boordy Vineyards, Far Eastern Shore Winery, Knob Hall Winery, and St. Michaels Winery, just to name a few.
According to the event website, "micro-brewed beers, Delmarva cuisine, quality arts and crafts, and local and regional live music will be focal points of this year's event." Your ticket includes one-day admission, a commemorative wine glass, and delicious wine-tasting samples.
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, September 27–28 | 11a.m.–7 p.m.
WHERE: Inlet Parking Lot, OCMD
TICKETS: $35 at the gate for adults and $15 for kids (children under 12 are FREE)
If you want to grab your tickets ahead of time and save a little money, you can purchase them online. With taxes and fees, an adult ticket comes to $33.46, and a child's ticket comes to $17.55. All tickets will be sent via email, which can then be printed or scanned with your smartphone. Be sure to remember to bring a valid photo ID!
Christina Nokes, the event's coordinator, explains on their website, that "Wine on the Beach festival launched in 1994 as a vehicle to introduce the naiant Maryland Wine industry to the Delmarva region and extend the beach season into the fall. Since then, the inlet festival/beach party has become an annual tradition among family and friends who enjoy learning about Maryland wines, tasting new products and stocking up with favorites."
Courtesy of Winefest.com
As long as your kids (under 21) are accompanied by an adult, you can make this weekend a whole family event. Unfortunately, pets, picnic baskets, coolers, or outside beverages are not allowed, but there'll be plenty of food and beverages that you can purchase onsite. In addition to a variety of local wines, they also sell Maryland craft beers to round out their adult beverage selection. For a full list of their participating vendors, you can click here.
While the entertainment is subject to change, currently Kevin O'Brennan and Shoreline are performing on Friday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., while Pat O'Brennan Music is closing out the evening from 4 to 7 p.m. On Saturday, attendees will get to enjoy 3 Penny Opera from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and Bird Dog and The Road Kings from 4 to 7 p.m.
Have you been to Ocean City's Wine on the Beach before? If so, what did you think? Let us know in the comments!
