Join thousands of drinking buddies at this year's Festival of the Grape. Taste new wines and experiment with infused spirits—ghost pepper vodka, anyone?

Just west of Richmond, off of Route 60, a little town called Powhatan, Virginia, hosts an amazing event. Regional wineries, cideries, and distilleries will all be pouring their best at this year's annual wine-tasting festival. Pace yourself as you go from tent to tent and don't forget to stop for a photo with Marilyn Merlot, the official "spokesgrape" of all the fun!

wine festival, crowd

Event Details

WHEN: Saturday, October 5, 2019 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
WHERE: 3860 Old Buckingham Road | Powhatan, VA
TICKETS: Purchase online here | $25 per person 21 and older | $15 for youth 13-20 | FREE for children 12 and under
PARKING: FREE | free shuttle bus service available from Powhatan Elementary School (4111 Old Buckingham Road in Powhatan)

festival, food trucks

Don't worry about going hungry; some of Virginia's best food trucks will be cooking up a storm to feed the entire festival. Bring a picnic blanket and have a bit of nosh with your vino! Camping chairs and stools are also permitted if you need a comfier seat. Strollers and purses are permitted, but coolers are not. 

You don't have to do all your day-drinking alone though. Designated drivers will enjoy themselves, too, with over 100 vendors to keep them busy. There will be arts and crafts, food, and all sorts of swag to collect. Live music will be playing throughout the day, and there will be plenty of games for the kids. It's not just about adult beverages at this family-friendly event. 

three crosses distillery

For more information, visit the official event website. While tickets are not refundable, they may be transferred if you're unable to make it. Check out the rest of the FAQs if you have any other questions before you buy a ticket.

**All of the photos in this article are courtesy of the Powhatan Festival of the Grape Facebook page.

Is this annual wine festival a tradition for you and your friends? What's your favorite part of the day? Let us know in the comments what a first-timer should definitely try!