Grand Traverse Commons hosts Wine & Art Festival
From staff reports
The 2011 Traverse City Wine & Art Festival takes place Saturday, Aug. 20, from 3-10 p.m. on the beautiful front lawn at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, rain or shine. This is Michigan’s premier celebration of wine, art, food and music, offering an incredible opportunity to taste wines from 24 wineries as you dance, dine, and see extraordinary performers, art and artists.
The wines & wineries are the heart of the festival and the large wine tent is dedicated to featuring well over 100 wines from the Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula and — for the first time — Benzie County. Attendees can choose a tasting or full-glass pour and have a chance to talk with the winemakers and winery reps to learn more about the wines. The 2010 vintage is spectacular, and this is a fantastic opportunity to try the riesling, pinot gris, chardonnay, pinot blanc, cabernet franc and a host of other varieties that are making a lot of noise at wine competitions around the country.
The festival also features a great lineup with some of Michigan’s finest musicians. Michigan jazz/folk great Claudia Schmidt kicks things off and then joins Rachel Davis and Shout Sister Shout. It will be the first time Claudia and Shout Sister Shout have taken the stage together, an event that promises to be one of those “better not miss it” nights. Steppin’ In It goes electric and will keep you dancing into the evening. There’s also a wide range of performances including dancers, performance artists and the Sweet Adelines.
In addition to a wide selection of art for show & sale and gourmet food from many of the region’s finest restaurants for purchase, there’s even a chance for YOU to get into the act with “Fashion Is Art”. This new feature that invites you to don your most innovative attire for a chance to win the Grand Prize, a spa weekend for two at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa. Get tickets & lodging package information at www.traversecitywinefestival.com
