It’s time again for the very popular, annual Montpelier Wine Festival, May 1 and 2, from 11A on both days. The opportunity to explore the beautiful grounds and taste from any of the 24 participating wineries should make for an exciting weekend outing. Don’t worry they have not left out the food vendors. There are offerings for everyone from Nathan’s Hot Dogs to crab cake sandwiches. If you prefer to picnic, bring your own basket and find a wonderful spot on the lawn. That should not prove that difficult as the grounds are spacious and magnificent.

Wine can be a mystery of pairing confusion for many. Each day there’ll be a free tasting seminar. To solve the big food-wine conundrum, they’ll offer daily Cooking with Wine seminars beginning at 1:15P including a Sunday demonstration (3:30P) from nationally recognized chef Melissa Close of nearby Palladio Restaurant.

Bring the family as there will be plenty of activities for children including a ride on the Barrel Train. Music, food, wine, and the beautiful grounds of Montpelier make this a great activity-laden event.

Phone 540-672-5216 or 800-594-8499 to reserve your spot or register online. Festival attendees get a reduced rate to tour the mansion.