If you'll be in Dallas in mid-September, make plans now to attend the annual GrapeFest. It's the largest wine festival in the Southwest, and it's celebrated in the always fun historic downtown Grapevine. This wine fest features unique wines, fantastic shopping finds, live entertainment and family-friendly fun, so visitors of all ages will have a great time!
Some of the most popular things to do at the event include sampling wines from all across the "Lone Star State," as well as tasting high-end premium wines from three regions in Italy and Washington state. Other fun activities each year include the GrapeStomp; the GrapeFest Tennis Classic; the GrapeFest Golf Classic; five stages of live entertainment; and the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the U.S.
Wine tasting at GrapeFest — Photo courtesy of Visit Grapevine
Even if you're not a wine drinker, there will be craft brews and plenty of food options! GrapeFest features a wide variety of delicious festival foods, like pizza, turkey legs, fajitas, funnel cakes, wild game sausage and corn dogs. Along with that type of fare, festival attendees can also dine at one of many restaurants in the downtown Grapevine area.
Amateur and future chefs can also learn cool culinary techniques and tips at the Palate Pleasers and the Palace, an area of the festival that features chef demonstrations, food pairing seminars and classes that feature some spectacular wines.
Kids and adults who are young at heart will love the wine-stomping competition, along with a variety of carnival rides and game booths in the Midway area. And while the children are occupied, shoppers can browse through unique gifts and wine items located in the market area of the festival. There will also be family-friendly live acts and music on four different stages throughout the weekend.
This annual festival takes place this year from Thursday, Sept. 11, until Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014. The Wine Experience area opens on Thursday, and admission is free from Thursday until Friday at 5 p.m. After that, admission tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for seniors (62+) and children that are between six and 12. Children that are five and under get in free all weekend. You can also take advantage of the full weekend pass for $18 if you plan on attending for several days.
GrapeFest offers several free parking areas that feature complimentary shuttle buses with frequent service between the GrapeFest free parking areas and festival gates. There are also paid parking lots available. Arrive early to have the best options.
