There’s nothing quite like the smoothness of warm red wine or the comfort of a savory soup or pasta on a cozy night in October.
As the chill of autumn settles in, there are plenty of wine and food festivals to enjoy before the winter weather arrives. These festivals, both near and far, present the finest local and international selections of wine, beverages and food.
This fall, you may want to look for wine the color of amber with hints of apples or aged grapes to elevate any meal or bring friends together for a game night.
However, there are many of vino options to choose from, and attending one of these events could introduce you to a new favorite.
Just a Drive Away: Sourced locally or drive to a nearby state
Columbus Mac and Cheese Festival
October 4
Easton Town Center
Presented by the NextGen James Ambassadors Society, the seventh Columbus Mac and Cheese Festival provides samples of the best mac and cheese in town from local restaurants. The family-friendly activity also includes live music, kids activities, raffle prizes and more.
Columbus Taco Fest Fall
October 5-6
Goodale Park
Taco Fest Fall supports Friends of Goodale Park with tasty food and drink combined with live music and entertainment. Grab your favorite taco and tequila combo, enjoy VIP tequila tastings and listen to local music at this two day festival.
Winetober Fest
Oct. 12, noon-5 p.m.
Across from Hotel Fiesole, 4039 Skippack Pike, Skippack, Pennsylvania
The 14th annual Winetober Fest features Pennsylvania’s most recognized distilleries and wineries. With more than 100 vendors from food to shopping to liquor sampling, there are plenty of ways to enjoy delicious wine and spirits.
Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival
Oct. 12-13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rebec Winery, 2229 N. Amherst Hwy., Amherst, Virginia
Who knew that garlic and wine make a great pair? At the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival, experience the unique blends of Rebec Vineyard’s hand-crafted wines. From the warm flavor of Autumn Glow to the subtle sweetness of Reisling, the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival is a celebration of history and agriculture.
Weekend Getaway: travel a little farther and spend a few days tasting luxury wine and e
Geneva Grape Jamboree
xceptional meals
Sonoma County Harvest Fair
Oct. 12, 6-9 p.m.
Sonoma County Fair, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, California
Visitors from around the world travel to Sonoma County for the celebration of local agriculture and the regional wine-judging event at the Harvest Fair. The Professional Wine Competition features more than 900 locally grown wines, which were tested to determine the best of Sonoma.
The Harvest Fair is recognized for its signature local flavors and success in bringing people together to celebrate the season.
Kohler Food & Wine
Oct. 17-20
Destination Kohler, 444 Highland Dr., Kohler, Wisconsin
Kohler Food & Wine Village passes offer nightly taste tests and luxury dinners presented by top chefs such as Andrew Zimmern, Scott Conant and Maneet Chauhan.
Destination Kohler offers five overnight packages to choose from, ranging from $780-$5,130, with each overnight package featuring one- to three-day stays to relax and indulge in the vineyard’s finest wines.
For those not wanting to spend an autumn weekend away, tickets can be purchased for individual events to enjoy things from cocktails and yoga to cooking demonstrations with culinary experts.
New York City Wine & Food Festival
New York City Wine & Food Festival
Oct. 17-20
Throughout New York City, New York
Food Network hosts the NYC Wine & Food Festival in the metropolitan area with a star-packed four-day event. Top chefs and culinary TV personalities, such as Alex Guarnaschelli, Marcus Samuelsson and Bobby Flay, host and participate from 6 p.m. on Thursday through the final master class at noon on Sunday. Tickets for individual events, including cocktail hours and cake decorating, range from $180-$300, with options for package deals as low as $800.
Amber Phipps is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at aphipps@cityscenemediagroup.com.
