Inaugural CT Wine Festival

Set For August 4-5

At Farmington Polo Grounds

FARMINGTON — The Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council has announced the inaugural Connecticut Wine Festival to be held the weekend of August 4-5. The event will be held at Farmington Polo Grounds and will serve as a fundraising event for the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council.

This first statewide wine festival featuring only Connecticut wines is the start of what organizers hope will become an annual tradition that will showcase the high quality and diverse selection of wines being produced by Connecticut wineries.

Vintners from most of the 23 Connecticut wineries will pour samples of dozens of different varieties of wines, ranging from dry and semi-dry table wines to sparkling fruit and dessert wines. Festival guests will have an opportunity to experience Connecticut wines. In addition, festival guests will get to meet and talk to local winemakers to learn more about the exceptional wines being produced in Connecticut’s farm wineries.

The event will also feature gourmet cuisine from the region’s best caterers and restaurants; wine pairing and tasting seminars; musical entertainment from the region’s best artists; hot air balloon launches from the festival grounds; and an al fresco arts and crafts show, with a select group of exhibitors offering gourmet foods, specialty coffees, kitchen accessories, food and wine publications and gift baskets for sampling and sale.

Advance tickets may be purchased via the festival website for $20 in advance or at the gate for $25. Admission will include the collectible “First Annual Connecticut Wine Festival” engraved wine glass, wine and food samples, access to all seminars, exhibits and concerts, and the Connecticut Winery Guide that features maps and directions to all of the  tasting rooms located throughout Connecticut.

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council. The Council promotes Connecticut wines and creates new markets for Connecticut wines by informing and educating the public on the use and value of Connecticut wines. The Council also recommends research projects on wine, wine grape culture and utilization of wine and related products for the academic community, wine industry and the public.

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities, as well as vendor applications are now available on the festival website at ConnecticutWineFestival.org.