For anyone who thinks “but first, wine,” the Windy City Wine Festival comes to Buckingham Fountain on September 7 – 8 for another year of savory festivities.
Wine lovers rejoice! Here’s a festival that’s all about your drink of choice. On September 7, Chicago’s annual Windy City Wine Festival opens at 5 pm. Enjoy the opportunity to taste more than 300 wines from around the globe until 10 pm, then come back on Saturday, September 8 and do it all again from 3 pm – 8 pm. This year, the festival takes place at the foot of one of Chicago’s most astonishing landmarks, Buckingham Fountain.
If tasting some of the most amazing wines the world has to offer isn’t enough of a draw for you, there’s plenty more to do at the festival. Consider swinging by one of the many wine seminars or cooking demonstrations. All are conducted by event sponsors, exhibiting wineries, or local chefs. In addition to these educational events, guests can enjoy live music from the festival stage. If you’d like to pair your wine with some great Chicago food, you’re in luck. Restaurants and caterers from around the city will bring their signature dishes for you to enjoy at an additional cost.
Whether you’re willing to spend a little or a lot, the Windy City Wine Festival has a ticket for you. This year the festival has more ticket options than ever before. The Adult Wine Tasting ticket is just $45 and guarantees you a tasting wine glass, 20 tastings, access to seminars, and live music as well as the opportunity to buy wine at a discounted price. You will have to choose which day you want to attend the festival upon purchase.
The General Admission Plus ticket is a meager $55 and you get an entire extra hour of wine tasting before everyone else, starting at 4 pm, plus all of the perks of the Adult Wine Tasting ticket.
There’s even a ticket for your designated driver: just $15 for live music, discounted wines, and a souvenir cup upon your exit.
For those who enjoy VIP treatment, there’s the Cadillac Connoisseurs Club ticket. Those holding these tickets will have access to one-hour early admission, the VIP tent, exclusive wine samplings, and gourmet hors-d’oeuvres.
In the weeks leading up to the festival, make sure to stay up-to-date by checking out their Facebook page. Tickets are less expensive if purchased in advance, so consider committing to a day or two of fun, food, and great wine, and get yours before you get to the door.
