The Sonoma Wine Festival, Labor Day 2013
So much wine, so little time...! It will be easy to be overwhelmed by the staggering amount of good food and wine at this legendary festival. If you only have time for one winery, 10 Best recommends Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen. Their "byodynamic" approach to winemaking guarantees not only fine taste but a completely natural and organic wine that respects the earth.
But with dozens and dozens of vineyards participating in this festival, it will be impossible to not find a memorable bottle of wine.
Sonoma County Wine Festival — Photo courtesy of Melania Mahoney
If you're looking for fine wine and fantastic food in a gorgeous setting, head to Sonoma County on Labor Day weekend.
Beach, Boogie and BBQ Festival
What better way to spend Labor Day weekend than dancing to live music and dining on fresh barbecue at the Aug. 30st-Sept. 1st Beach, Boogie and BBQ Festival in Myrtle Beach?
This three-day event features some of the top championship barbecue outfits in the nation and a full slate of bands on the stage at Market Common's Valor Park in Myrtle Beach.
BBQ Chicken — Photo courtesy of sporkist
Admission is free, and for $10 visitors can sample all the BBQ items on display each day. A beer garden will also be open for the event, as well as games, exhibits and inflatables for the kids.
Fireworks displays, wake-boarding exhibitions and free watermelon are among the many items planned for the celebration.
Oktoberfest at Old World
Instead of flying overseas, Orange County residents can celebrate Oktoberfest at Old World in Huntington Beach from September 8th through October 27th. Guests will enjoy the newly renovated beer garden, bands direct from Germany, lots of dancing and the infamous Oktoberfest Shot Girls who will be pouring shots to accompany German beer and the best bratwurst in town.
The new beer garden — Photo courtesy of Old World
Bring the entire family to Kinderfest on Sundays to watch the Dachshund races (yes, the wiener dogs), play carnival games and let the kids exhaust themselves in a bouncy castle. Old World's Oktoberfest is said to be just as fun as the real deal.
Pocono Garlic Festival
Held each Labor Day in the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area near Delaware, Pennsylvania, the Pocono Garlic Festival is a must for foodies of every stripe. Gifted craftspeople from all over Pennsylvania are in attendance, along with an array of musicians and, of course, plenty of good food. Of course, you also get the alleged benefit of keeping away vampires, a plus unless you're a fan of Twilight.
Serious about garlic — Photo courtesy of Pocono Garlic Festival Facebook Page
National Harvest Festival
For foodies attending the National Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City September 12-October 26 in Branson, Missouri, this fall, head over to the Culinary and Craft School. Housed in an 1880's style timber-frame farmhouse, the school includes a state of the art kitchen and items, functional decorative made by local craftsmen. Master of Culinary Arts Debbie Dance Uhrig teaches 60 minute classes preparing seasonal recipes and many of the best from Midwest Living magazine, one of the sponsors. Each particpant will receive a yearlong subscription. Head over to the Chuckwagon for tastings and more demos. Breakfast buffet is served daily at the Festival 8:30-11 to get your day started right.
