Alexander Fleming, the bacteriologist who discovered penicillin, was quoted as saying: “Penicillin cures, but wine makes people happy.” Since biblical times and well before, the fermented grape has been credited with healing the mind, body, and soul, so if you need an excuse to attend the 26th Annual Grapefest in Grapevine, just say, “Medicinal purposes.”
This year’s Grapefest features six wine pavilions to engage your inner oenophile: the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, where more than 40 Texas wineries will be pouring some 130 native wines; the Grapevine Wine Pavilion, which specializes in North Texas wines, especially those from the city’s wineries; and a USA Wine Pavilion for national vintages.
But Grapefest isn’t all about drinking wine. It’s also about making wine, selling wine, and selecting wine. Events throughout the weekend include vineyard tours to show participants the nitty-gritty of local wine production, cooking demonstrations with wine pairings, an Italian classic car show, a champagne cork shootoff with prizes awarded for the longest distances, and the perennially popular GrapeStomp competition, in which you can relive a particularly famous (and messy) episode of I Love Lucy.
Bands will perform Texas Music, polka, swing, big band, and even Rolling Stones covers at various locations around downtown. For kids, there’s a carnival and midway with games, rides, and food as well as daily ice carving demonstrations. –– Jimmy Fowler
[box_info]26th Annual Grapefest runs Thu thru Sun at various locations in downtown Grapevine. Tickets are $8-$23. Call 817-410-8136.[/box_info]
