Wine festivals are popping up all over the country again – and finally! Many have returned after Covid killed them, and we’re starting to see new ones get up and going. With all 50 of the United States producing wine, 273 official wine regions and nearly 12,000 wineries it would be an impossible nightmare to compile a complete list. But, I did try. My annual list of wine festivals in every state to sip was updated earlier this year to help. Before you go snag tickets to a wine festival in your area, let’s chat about what actually makes a good wine festival.
What makes a good wine festival?
Obviously – the wine. But, not all wine festivals are the same.
There are a variety and each one offers different types of tasting and learning opportunities. Most people are familiar with the large outdoor or indoor events featuring multiple wineries, each pouring their wines along with local food vendors or chefs to pair with your sips. Maybe there’s a band or two that add to the vibe. These are always fun, big party-like events that offer a great way to sample different styles and varieties of wine. If the festival is multiple days, this is usually known as the Grand Tasting event.
I personally love these types of events when they’re pouring LOCAL wines from a specific region or state. It’s an awesome way to explore that region without visiting individual wineries. It’s even better if the person pouring is the winemaker or works at the winery and can really explain the region and its specific varietals and styles of wines.
Local and State Wine Festivals
Some wineries host their own, smaller festivals – usually around harvest or their release time frame – and some state wine associations host annual events featuring local wineries. That said, there aren’t a ton of state or regional wine festivals but rather ones that incorporate a variety of regions and countries. If you have a favorite winery, it’s worth checking to see when/if they host any tasting events. I’ve attended some amazing release parties, one that stands out was Three Sticks in Sonoma. It’s hard to get into their winery for a tasting so it was a treat for me! These types of events are a great way to celebrate a winery and get to know others who also enjoy similar wines.
Wine Festivals Paired with Learning Opportunities
Then there are wine festivals that also incorporate learning opportunities, tasting seminars and winemaker dinners that happen days BEFORE the Grand Tasting – that big, party where everyone’s pouring their different wines.
The educational seminars and small, regional specific tastings are not things you will find at a lot of events – but they should be not only for you the wine lover, but for the winemakers, wineries and the state’s tourism department. My marketing background had to say it…
Last year during the Taste of Vail I spent an hour in a seminar on Willamette Valley in Oregon learning about its different American Viticultural Areas from Eric Misiewicz at Vanduzzer Winery. I had a trip planned that summer so I went to learn and it 100% influenced where sipped during my wine vacation.
This year at Taste of Vail I attended multiple seminars and winemaker dinners, each was extremely intimate and highly educational. One of the standouts was hosted at Root & Flower in Vail in which the winemaker at Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house in France walked a group of 10 people through the “méthode traditionnelle” and her bubbles, while the chef shared the perfect pairing for each glass. I had also never sampled very many island wines until I attended a seminar hosted by Alder Yarrow, wine writer and critic of JancisRobinson.com and Vinography.com, who did a fabulous seminar and tasting on island wines, which included some from Sicily. I’m now planning a group wine trip to Sicily in 2026 where we’ll focus on that island’s wines (want to come too? ).
So, back to the original question – what makes a good wine festival.
Like the wines you prefer to sip, it’s totally subjective. My main point is that if you want to learn more about wine, specific regions or winemaking styles, you have the opportunities to do so at some wine festivals. If you just want to hang out with friends and sip good wine, you have that opportunity too!
Tips for Doing a Wine Festival Right
- – Stay hydrated. This is even more important when your in regions like Colorado where you’re sipping at elevation.
- – Check the list of events and wineries. If there’s something you’re interested in tasting go there first.
- – Eat something before you go and while you’re sipping.
- – Ask the person pouring the wine questions, especially if they’re the winemaker! You will get so much more out of what you’re sipping when you engage with its makers.
- – Take notes or pictures of the wines you like. You will forget. I promise.
- – Be open minded and try things you may not normally try. These events are the perfect time to see if you like something you may not have ever had. Try those unique varietals or blends!!
- – If there are educational seminars being offered, go and learn.
Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.