Since the first PEI Liquor Control Commission Wine Festival, interest in wines has grown in leaps and bounds. This Friday and Saturday, May 31 & June 1, the 8th Annual Wine Festival at the Delta Prince Edward is in the spotlight. The Festival features wines from some of the leading wineries in the World and offers one of the highlights of the season for both Prince Edward Island wine connoisseurs and for visitors.
The wines presented at the Festival offer more choice for customers and enables many of the Island's fine eating establishments to expand their wine lists to meet the growing demands of both visitors and locals.
"For the wine merchants and in some cases wine-makers, this event is an ideal opportunity to talk about their wines not just with the licensees but with the public," said Greg Deighan, Minister Responsible for the Prince Edward Island Liquor Control Commission. "Seldom does a customer get the chance to talk with wine-makers that actually produced the bottle in his/her hands."
This weekend's Wine Festival also includes an expanded list of splendid Silent Auction items in addition to an Art Exhibit with works by some of PEI's finest artists. All proceeds from the Silent Auction go to aid the Island Hospice Association. As was the case last year, half the Silent Auction items will be offered on Friday night with the remaining items on Saturday evening, enabling those in attendance to participate in the fun event which is the major fund raiser for the Island Hospice charity. Bids close approximately one-half hour prior to the end of the tasting session.
Tasting sessions are Friday evening at the Delta Prince Edward from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Saturday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Wine Boutique next door will be open until 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with all wines reduced by 20 percent and on a first come, first served basis. As the grand finale, a limited number of tickets are available for the Festival Gala Dinner Saturday night at 8:45 p.m. For your enjoyment, wines purchased at the Wine Boutique may be taken to your table at the Gala Dinner on Saturday evening.
If you enjoy wines or would like to know more about wines, the Wine Festival this weekend at the Delta Prince Edward is the place to be.