Looking to grab the hottest ticket in town? The harvest season for vineyard grapes is rapidly approaching—and what better way to celebrate than to pack up the car and head to Black Walnut Winery’s 4th Annual Fire and Wine Festival in Sadsburyville? The event unfolds on Saturday, October 8, when you can surround yourself with friends, family and a favorite sweater. Be prepared to sip and swing your way through the popular wine fest, but hurry—tickets are going fast.
The Fire
Artistically shaped like a wine bottle made of wood, the monumental bonfire is a true spectacle to behold. Sponsored (and obviously handled) by the Sadsburyville Fire Company, the bonfire gives you a chance to feel the glow and hear the crackle as you surround yourself with great music, good times and cherished friends and family.
Fun fact: Sadsburyville Fire Company will be 100 years old in 2018.
The Wine
Owners, oenophiles and winemakers Lance and Val Castle and Jack and Karen Kuhn will be available as well as a host of experts to provide the utmost experience with the library (and cellar) of BWWs premier blends. Taste award-winning wines like the recently released merlots, the rich cabs and our favorite, the soft and slightly sweet Bank Barn Red.
Fun fact: Black Walnut Winery’s name stems from the canopy of black walnut trees that were present during the winery’s inception in 2001.
The Food and the Wares
Browse collectibles from local artisans Touch of Glass, The Enchanted Potter, John Hay Cigars, SunandBack Jewelry and much more. Chow down on delectable treats from food vendors Uncle B’s BBQ Shack and Waffles & Wedges Food Truck. Roast marshmallows and toast s’mores by one of the winery’s many fire pits, or purchase a signature cheese plate for $10.
Fun fact: The contraction “S’mores” stands for “some more” and was believed to be invented in the 1920s by Boy and Girl Scouts.
The Crowd
Whether it’s a girls getaway, a date with the spouse or just a group of neighborhood buds hanging out, this is where you want to be. Nathan Greenwood (a distinguished Town Dish contributor) and his lovely wife Sarah had the opportunity to experience last year’s extravaganza and had this to say: “Throughout the crowd were people dancing to the music, laughing with friends and family, huddling together roasting marshmallows and clinking glasses of wine in toast. It’s the kind of evening where you can’t help but smile and feel at ease. The feeling of community, joviality and warmth was a welcome break from the proverbial daily grind that most of us shuffle through week by week.”
Fun fact: Wine and food together—typically known at feasts—gave rise to the word “festival,” which was originally used as an adjective from the late fourteenth century, deriving from Latin via Old French.
The Music
Get ready to be blown away with an incredible lineup of live music. Tap your toes. Swing your hips. Jump up and clap your hands in the air with this stellar blend of soul-searching, heart-warming and foot-stomping blend of jams provided by Altogether Charlie, Echo and Holt 45.
Fun fact: Multi-talented artist Kellina Holt of the band Echo is also the marketing and events manager for Black Walnut Winery.
The Price
Hurry now and take advantage of discounted tickets at $20 through Saturday, September 10. After that pre-purchased tickets will be $25 and $30 at the door if still available. This event will sell out. Ticket prices include a souvenir logo wine glass, your first glass of wine or a tasting of five and of course the music, laughter and ambience. Tickets can also be purchased by phone or by dropping in at either location during regular hours.
Fun fact: A percentage of ticket proceeds will benefit the Sadsburyville Fire Department.
The rain or shine festival is for guests 21 and over only please. Doors will be open at 4 p.m. for ticketholders. Food and other vendor purchases are not included in ticket price. No outside food is permitted during the event, but feel free to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy this experience.
The Fire and Wine Festival will be held at Black Walnut Winery’s Sadsburyville location, 3000 Lincoln Hwy.; phone: (610) 857-5566. You can also visit Black Walnut Winery at its tasting room at 260 Bridge St. in Phoenixville; phone: (484) 924-8740.
- Photos: Eve Trojanov, Blubird Images
