The annual Brandywine Food and Wine Festival celebrates all things local, from Pennsylvania wines to food, music and crafts. (Photo by Bonsai Doll Fern Photography)
Looking for a quick country getaway? Look no further.
The green fields of the Brandywine Valley’s wine country take a break from producing great (yes, great) wine this weekend to celebrate, welcoming vino-loving crowds to the third annual Brandywine Food and Wine Festival on Saturday, June 14.
The wineries and vineyards of southeastern Pennsylvania are numerous and varied, and this festivals is an excellent opportunity to taste varietals from nine of the regions top producers, including Paradocx Vineyards, Penns Woods Winery and Patone Cellars.
In addition to wine tasting, festivalgoers can enjoy sweet and savory snacks from more than a dozen food vendors including Sherri's Crab Cakes, Jimmy's BBQ, Amani's BYOB, Lavinia’s Cookies from West Chester and Nomadic Pies from Parkesburg.
Plus, chef Jonathan Amann of Amani's BYOB, a three-time winner of Best Chef in Chester County, will be conducting a local wine and cooking demonstration. Additional demonstrations throughout the day feature the Chester County Beekeepers Association, Pike Creek Coffee and Jack-Be-Nimble Soap and Candleworks.
Beyond the wine and food, more than 15 artists and craft vendors will be onsite to peddle a range of handmade wares, and live music from two local bands will keep everyone entertained from noon until 6 p.m.
The festival location, the Myrick Conservation Center, is a 318-acre preservation, used for trail walking and horseback riding, picnicking, bird watching and star gazing, so nature-lovers should make time to explore the grounds, too.
Tickets for the over 21 set are available online for $15 in advance, and $20 at the door, and include 10 tasting tickets (must present ID), a bottle of water and a souvenir wine glass.
Attendees who are 10 to 20 years old are $5 in advance or at the gate, and kids under 10 get in for free. Ample free parking is available and groups are welcomed, too.
For more information on the many wineries and vineyards of Greater Philadelphia, check out the Visitphilly.com Wineries and Vineyards Trail of Greater Philadelphia.
Cheers to Pennsylvania wine country!
Brandywine Food & Wine Festival
When: Saturday, June 14, noon-6 p.m.
Where: Myrick Conservation Center, 1760 Unionville-Wawaset Road, West Chester
Cost: $15, advance; $20, at the door; $5, under 21 years old; free, under 10 years old
More info: www.pawinefestival.com