This weekend there was a whole lot to celebrate: The Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo and …. Wine + Good Times at the GREAT GRAPES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL! This ‘drink.eat.relax‘ event is held at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in the Town of Cary and as a wine lover, I have enjoyed coming to this event each year! [*ICYMI, check out my 2015/2016/2017 past event recaps of this event, here.] I must say, just like fine wine this event keeps getting better with time. These are some of my favorite moments from this year’s GREAT GRAPES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL!
● HUNDREDS of WINES
Yes, HUNDREDS of wines available from over 22 wineries to taste. Everyone gets a souvenir tasting glass to have and stroll from tent to tent and table to table, tasting and sampling the rich heritage of North Carolina vines. Did you know that all NC wine is not made from sweet muscadine? In fact there was some of everything to try from sweet to dry!
● GOURMET BITES
If you bought the VIP Ticket option, you not only got early entrance into the event, but also a souvenir glass & bag and access to all the show tastings. Plus you got access to the VIP area which featured specialty higher-end wine selections not available elsewhere, free water and soft drinks, and featured food tastings (served Noon – 3pm).
● People ready to UNCORK THE FUN
Wine Lovers from all around come out to the GREAT GRAPES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL, the largest and most fun casual NC wine festival in the Triangle. I loved seeing all the matching outfits, hats and groups celebrating birthdays. Some couples even turned this festival into a wonderful day date idea!
● IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY!
My favorite thing about this festival is that it is kid friendly. That means we can enjoy the event as a family and not worry about finding a babysitter! Kids 12 and under are FREE and they even have a dedicated area for kids to play. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the festival picnic style. Our daughter loved meeting “The Sauce Boss”, relaxing on the lawn and listening to Live Music!
● Beautiful GREEN SETTING of the Town of Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre
Although this festival happens rain or shine, thanks to Mother Nature we had a picture perfect day! I love going to events at Booth Amphitheatre because of the scenic setting. You are surroundes by nature, gorgeous trees and a lake that you may even see ducks in!
SobeSavvy Tip: The fun is happening here again on May 19, 2018 at the BEER & BACON FEST. Tickets to this festival is ON SALE NOW!
Also GREAT GRAPES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL maybe coming to a city near you. Here are some upcoming dates:
For more information go to http://www.uncorkthefun.com! Hope to see you there next year! CHEERS 🍷
SobeSavvy 
I would have loved to go here. Lol. Especially since I love wine and I love going to events that the entire family can enjoy! Great post!
LikeLike
Thank you! We finally got some lawn chairs to really lounge at the festival next time.
LikeLike
I’ll be honest. I’v never been a fan of NC, but this event may give me a reason to visit. This sounded like a great deal! The chance to try 100’s of wine!!! And that food looked absolutely amazing.
LikeLike
I moved here in 2015…so far ,so goof
LikeLike
So far, so good I mean! Lots of fun events like this plus things to see and do.
LikeLike
Oh man! I need to get this event on my calendar for next year! So fun.
LikeLike
Yes, hopefully it does not fall on cinco de mayo, kentucky derby day again! I needed a clone!
LikeLike
I know absolutely nada about wine. This event sound so exciting! What a great opportunity to learn more about it.
LikeLike
I believe food and wine festivals are great ways to discover what you like, love or don’t. You are right..it’s a learning experience!
LikeLike
I love a good wine festival! Yo, that VIP package was definitely worth it. It looks like you had a good time. I can’t wait to go to wine and margarita festivals this summer.
LikeLike
Nice!I have never been to a margarita festival. That sounds like something I would enjoy!
LikeLike
Ooh this sounds like a lot of fun! And that’s really convenient that it’s a family friendly event 🙂 Are you going to the beer & bacon fest then? I’ve heard great things about it!
LikeLike
I will be there as well! I hope the weather is on our side then too.
LikeLike
I absolutely love that this event was kid-friendly! I’ve never been to any kind of wine tasting and my sister is always telling me I need to go because I’m missing out. And from the looks of this event now I see why! Looks like it was an amazing time.
LikeLike
I hope you take your sisters word for it and give ot a try!
LikeLike
This is my kind of festival! Looks like a good time. I have to say you, you looked so cute in your festival attire. Perfect! As for the Beer & Bacon festival, I need to make my way out there!
LikeLike
I’ve never been to a food festival and this looks like a lot of fun. I love wine so this is right up my alley.
LikeLike
I’ve been wanting to go to a food and or wine festival for the longest. Looks like you had a great time. I’m going to see where there is one in Georgia. We do have some nice wineries here.
LikeLike
This looks like my kind of festival. I’m definitely going to see about attending next year!
LikeLike
What a treat! The festival looked all the way live for sure. I also loved the fresh look of the salsa.
LikeLike
I am so happy it is food and wine season! I love it so much i am in Atlanta and ours is in June!
LikeLike
I love a family-friendly festival. There are so many here in Atlanta. It’s truly festival season.
LikeLike
Why couldn’t this be near me? This sounds like it is right up my alley. The food looked great and I love wine
LikeLike
grapes wine is also my one of the best wine and you looked so cute in your festival attire. Perfect! As for the Beer & Bacon festival, I need to make my way out there!
bourbon decanter
LikeLike
I like the this kind of wine food and parties. Last Sunday i was in US wine party , in that party i enjoy so much.I also love it so much i am in Atlanta and ours is in June!
best decanter whiskey
LikeLike