GRAPEVINE, TEXAS (July 23, 2015) - Toast the wines of Texas, Oregon and Argentina at the 29th Annual GrapeFest® - A Wine Experience presented by Bank of the West, September 17, 18, 19 and 20. Set in beautiful Historic Downtown Grapevine, guests can affordably experience wines not normally available in Texas. This year's event will feature a special emphasis on wines from Texas, Oregon and Argentina. For up to the minute schedule and event information, visit www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com/GrapeFest.
GrapeFest is the largest wine festival in the Southwest and offers four days of family-friendly festival fun for all ages. Some of the favorite festival events include the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation; the Texas Wine Tribute, GrapeStomp; the Champagne Terrace; KidsWorld; GrapeFest Golf Classic; GrapeFest Tennis Classic; ItalianCarFest; live entertainment and much more!
Sample more than 160 Texas varietals from 46 Texas wineries at the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the United States. During 11 sessions throughout the weekend, this signature event is one of the most popular GrapeFest events and tickets are already limited for certain sessions. Find new favorites and discuss the different available varietals with winery representatives. Guests then vote for their favorites and the winners of the competition will be announced on Sunday, September 20 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $23 in advance. Guests must be 21 and over to enter.
Texas is the fifth-largest wine producing state in the United States. As host to GrapeFest, the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association and the premier Urban Wine Trail, Grapevine is the headquarters of the Texas Wine Industry. Texas is home to more than 300 wineries and has approximately 4,400 acres of producing vineyard farmland, producing nearly 3 million gallons each year.
Oregon is the fourth-largest wine producing state in the nation. With more than 605 wineries, Oregon has gained an international reputation as a premier producer of a variety of wines, with primarily Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris being the top grown grapes. The American Viticultural areas within Oregon include the Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley, as well as portions of the Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla Valley and Snake River Valley.
Argentina is currently the world's fifth-largest wine producing nation and the eighth-largest in consumption. Argentina's wine regions include Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja, Salta, Catamarca, Rio Negro and other smaller regions. Some of the most popular Argentine grapes include Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier and others. There are currently more than 1,500 wineries in Argentina.
Buy tickets now for the Texas Wine Tribute on Saturday, September 12, beginning with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Each year, this spectacular black-tie gala celebrates specially selected Texas wines paired with a four-course dinner. The Texas Wine Tribute will recognize the winner of the annual "Tall in Texas" Award. The "Tall in Texas" Award is presented to an individual winery that has been instrumental in promoting Texas wines and the Texas wine industry. The 2015 "Tall in Texas" Award winner is Llano Estacado Winery from Lubbock, TX. The Texas Wine Tribute benefits the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Foundation and Metroport Meals On Wheels. Tickets are $125 per person and advance purchase is required.
Stomp your way to victory at the annual GrapeStomp competition! Teams of two take turns to stomp approximately 18 pounds of grapes for two minutes. If your team stomps the most juice, you just might qualify to stomp some more at the Grand Champion StompOff on Sunday, with the winners being awarded the coveted "Purple Foot" award. Entry fee is $5 per person. Special GrapeStomp events include the Senior GrapeStomp at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 18 and the Mayoral GrapeStomp on Saturday, September 19 at 11 a.m. A free special stomping area is also available for kids 12 and under.
Feel the rhythm at the 29th Annual GrapeFest! Entertainment stages are located throughout the festival grounds and will feature a variety of live musical acts during the four-day event.
Attend pre-festival fun events including:
• GrapeFest Golf Classic, Friday, September 11;
• GrapeFest 12th Annual ItalianCarFest, presented by Boardwalk Ferrari Maserati, September 12, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Nash Farm, 626 Ball St. and
• GrapeFest Wine Dinners.
Make plans now to enjoy all of these fun activities during GrapeFest:
• Artisan Vendors;
• Carnival Rides and Midway Games;
• Champagne Cork Shoot-Off, Saturday, September 19, 12:30 p.m.;
• Champagne Terrace;
• Draft & Craft Beers;
• Festival Foods;
• GrapeFest Tennis Classic, presented by Adolphson & Peterson, September 18, 19 and 20;
• Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower's Would-Be Train Robbers Nat Barrett and Willy Majors appearing several times daily;
• Grapevine Vintage Railroad stationary exhibits featuring "Puffy," the 1896 steam locomotive and a preview of the 2015 North Pole Express®;
• Grapevine Winery Tours, September 19 and 20;
• KidsWorld, featuring LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium and interactive games;
• Main Street LIVE, September 19, four shows at the Palace Theatre
• Shopping at the stores in Historic Downtown Grapevine throughout the festival and
• Unlimited Carnival Ride Pass, September 17, 5 p.m. - close. $25 in advance; $30 at the festival.
Discover Grapevine's hotels during GrapeFest! For information on hotels, packages and where to stay, visit www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com/GrapeFest.
The 29th Annual GrapeFest - A Wine Experience, presented by Bank of the West, will open on Thursday, September 17 at 10 a.m. Admission is free to everyone all day Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday. Hours are Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission prices are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and children (6-12).
Weekend passes are available for $18 and souvenir weekend passes are $23. Admission is free for children five and under. For more information, call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-457-6338 or 817-410-3185 or visit www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com/GrapeFest.
About Bank of the West
Bank of the West is proud to be an Independent Community Bank, serving the DFW area for 3 decades; helping to create flourishing communities by putting your dollars to work LOCALLY...with decisions made LOCALLY.
Bank of the West, Member FDIC, Presenting Sponsor of the 29th Annual GrapeFest.
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