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07/24/2019 08:32 AMThe grounds at Bishop’s Orchards will be transformed during the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11 as Bishop’s hosts the 13th annual Shoreline Wine Festival, which draws thousands of visitors over the course of the weekend and features Connecticut wineries and vineyards from throughout the state.
“People love it and it’s an event to look forward to,” said Erica DeNuzzo, marketing coordinator at Bishop’s Orchards. “It’s a relaxing day to sit back, listen to music, and enjoy local wine, beautiful scenery, and great company.”
Upon arrival—be sure to bring a valid ID—guests receive a tasting ticket, a wine glass, and a program to take notes. Each tasting ticket gives visitors a tasting of every wine being offered from each of the vendors.
The Shoreline Wine Festival will feature a variety of wines from Connecticut with everything from grape wines to fruit wines made with Connecticut-grown produce.
Wineries participating in this year’s festival include Hopkins Vineyard, Jonathan Edwards Winery, Jones Family Farm Winery, Paradise Hills Vineyard, Sunset Meadow Vineyards, and of course Bishop’s Orchards Winery. In addition to tasting wines, visitors can purchase their favorite bottles in the wine shop at the Little Red Barn.
At each booth, representatives from the wineries will describe the wines, including the flavor, the aftertaste, the fruits used in making the wine, and what the wine compares to. Each vendor will offer tastes of four to six wines.
“You can taste something you might not necessarily taste at a restaurant or buy a wine shop,” said DeNuzzo. “A lot of people are surprised by the wines they like. The festival is great for exploring different wines you’re not used to.”
At the top of every hour, tours of Bishop’s Orchard Winery will be offered. Guests can visit the farm market for fresh produce and check out the new Bishop’s Orchards Creamery Ice Cream Stand for a sweet treat.
Guests can purchase food from a variety of food trucks offering items such as tacos, steamed burgers, lobster rolls, BBQ, grilled cheese, mac n cheese, fresh-squeezed lemonade, Italian cuisine, and pizza. Wines by the glass will be for sale along with frosé slushies.
“You can get a drink to enjoy with your lunch from the food trucks and sit down, relax, and enjoy live music and entertainment,” said DeNuzzo, noting the Hickory Boys will perform along with music by Music in Motion throughout the weekend.
In addition to tastings under the big tent, guests can peruse different vendors and artisans with more than 40 vendors expected offering goods such as olive oils, foods, pantry goods, jewelry, home improvement, home decor, and more.
“I enjoy the range of food, wines, and local trades that are there to explore and take home with you,” said DeNuzzo. “It’s a can’t miss event.”
Tickets for the Shoreline Wine Festival are offered at $30 until Saturday, Aug. 3, after which the price is $35. Designated driver tickets are available for $10. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. on Aug. 10 and noon to 6 p.m. on Aug. 11. For info and tickets, visit www.shorelinewinefestival.com.