From my standpoint and this is my opinion, if I go to a wine festival, I like to see wineries pouring a variety of their wines. Sometimes I find at festivals, wines being poured are just a showcase of a wineries lower end products. But what about people looking for something more unique. A signature wine. While I realize wine festivals might not be the place to showcase wines like this, I do look for something special. Perhaps the wine staff should be trained in qualifying the taster at hand and have a hidden selection of a few higher quality wines available. Remember this is your first impression you are giving to many people. I believe a nice sampling of all varietals and prices should be represented.
Now lets talk food and water, two basic necessities. While I don't expect food to be included in the price of admission, it would be nice if there was a bottle of water included with that souvenir tasting glass. Not meant for rinsing, meant for drinking. Many times at festivals, I can't find a place to purchase a bottle of water. Restaurants have food, but no soft drinks. What about the designated driver, they should get a soft drink or water for the price of their admission. I also like to have some type of variety of food to choose from. There should be some type of ratio out there if you expect a certain number of people there should be a certain number of food vendors. Yes, just like the port-a-potty ratio. The helpings should be generous tapas serving. I don't like paying $8 for a skewer of 2 shrimp and a piece of zucchini with a tablespoon of rice. That's not going to cut it for me.
How about non wine vendors. As much as I want to taste every single wine there is, realistically my palate needs a break. A little palate break at a festival is a good time to look for unique gifts for friends and family. Items I am not going to find at a mall. Whether it's candles, books, clothing, jewelery or art. It's always nice to break up the wine tasting with a visit the other vendors and see the crafts they have created. I might find a pair of earrings for my sister or a print for a girlfriend and guess what, I can cross that name off the Christmas gift list.
What are your thoughts...what do you expect from a wine festival?
2 comments:
I've been to wine festivals in NJ, Hudson Valley, Ontario, & Pennsylvania - my expectations vary according to admission price. For $20 in NJ, you get a glass, 15 NJ wineries, & food & craft vendors to purchase from. In Hudson Valley, it's kind of the same. In Ontario, the one I attended offered you wine & food tasting tickets for your admission, which may have been $25 per person, plus the ability to buy more tasting tickets - we figured as a couple, we spent $65. Although it was indoors, there was plenty of live music & vendors, & the food was high quality. Now in PA, horrible experience - paid $40 per person last month for Newtown local wines, got a plastic cup & a PROMISE of food that never emerged, unless you think spreads & roasted veggies are "food". No food leaves a very hungry stomach only filled with alcohol - Never Again. The best locally are Tastes, $30 per person gets you unlimited wine/liquor tastings as well as all the local food you can eat.
Debbie - thank you for your insights. While I don't mind paying for food, I expect it to be a decent portion size for the price. For $40 per person fee for the wine festival you noted, you should have at least received a nice glass, not a plastic cup.
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