Wally Wine Fest Returns To Lake Wallenpaupack

Wally Wine Fest returns to The Waterfront at Silver Birches, June 5-7. The indoor/outdoor event on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack offers three jam-packed days of sampling, shopping and soaking in the scenery. Visitors may enjoy sips from more than 100 domestic and international labels, a varied marketplace of artisan goods and live music on two stages.

Festivities kick off on Friday, June 5 with a Platinum Wine Dinner at The Settlers Inn. The Live Fire Dinner in Grant’s Woods features a five-course barbecue feast created by celebrity guest chef, Chad Rosenthal. The charismatic chef is a regular on the Food Network with appearances on “Food Network Star,” “Grill Masters” and most recently, “24 in 24.” Chad also has the distinction of being the only person to “Beat Bobby Flay” three times in all his appearances on the eponymously named show. Chad is an accomplished chef and restaurateur whose Philadelphia eatery, Mary, makes one of the Top 15 steaks in the city according to the “Philadelphia Inquirer.” Guests will take a seat in the open-air woodland dining
venue and watch Chef Chad prepare the feast in the outdoor kitchen. Each course is paired with a curated selection from Kobrand Wine and Spirits. Jody Jackman, a seasoned wine and spirits professional with Breakthru Beverage will guide guests through each selection, sharing regional history, winemaking insight and pairing perspective. A $200 Platinum Ticket allows access to the Live Fire Dinner
as well as entry to Wally Wine Fest on Saturday, June 6.

Wally Wine Fest shifts to Silver Birches Resort on Saturday and Sunday where visitors will have the opportunity to sample vintages from more than 100 domestic and international labels. Wineries from as far away as New Zealand, Italy, France, Napa Valley and the Pacific Northwest are represented. Novice wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample a variety of pours and discover which wine suits their palate. Wine connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to interact one-on-one with wine makers, restauranteurs and sommeliers who are knowledgeable in flavor profiles, can discuss the differences among wine, grapes and varietals, plus point out the notes to be enjoyed for each.

Bottles of every wine featured are available for sale. With prices ranging from $10-$100, there’s something to match every taste and budget. An indoor and outdoor marketplace will overflow with fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers– all available for purchase. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Bellissima Eclectic Apparel, A Girl’s Gotta Spa and Kryzan Design offering hand-poured candles in a variety of scents including some wine-inspired selections. A Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s Fourth of July Fireworks and features overnight stays at some of the area’s finest accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well as
boat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs.

Satellite events at other Hawley area venues extend the Wally Wine Fest celebration. The Settlers Inn will offer a Bubbly Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors may savor a brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel will host a Tour de France French Wine Dinner on Saturday night while the deck at The Dock on Wallenpaupack is the setting for an Italia al Fresco Wine Dinner on Friday evening.

Wally Wine Fest at Silver Birches runs from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Everyone who attends receives a commemorative wine glass. Admission is $40 in advance or $50 at the door and includes 15 sampling tickets. The sampling tickets may be exchanged for wine tastings. A $75 VIP admission allows entry to the festival one hour early and 25 sampling tickets. The $200 Platinum admission price offers early entry, increases the sampling tickets to 25 and includes a seat at the Live Fire Dinner at The Settlers Inn on June 5. Admission for designated drivers is $20. Tickets are available at wallywinefest.com