Orange is once again being uncorked this weekend.
The 34th annual Orange Uncorked Wine Festival is returning to Montpelier this weekend, June 7-8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For several years the event, hosted by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, has been held in a field owned by the Market at Grelen in Somerset. Event organizers say returning to Montpelier is a way to celebrate the county’s impacts on the forming of the nation in 1776.
Wineries featured at this year’s festival include Horton Vineyards, Cobbler Mountain Cellars, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, Byrd Cellars, Virginia Mountain Vineyards, The Estate at Whitehall Vineyard, Twisted Pines Farm and Vineyard, Lake Anna Winery, WildKind Estate, Mattaponi Winery, Woodlawn Press Winery, Rogers Ford Farm Winery, Notaviva Vineyards, Front Four Cellars, Reynard Florence Vineyard and Zoll Vineyards.
Music will be provided by Scuffletown and Katherine Preseren Saturday with Dan Trull and South Canal Street Band Sunday. Beard and Mustache Contests and the Most Marvelous Hat contest will be held both days. Prizes will be awarded for the Most Marvelous Hat, Best Beard, Best Mustache and Best Combination Beard and Mustache.
New this year is the The Spirit of Freedom 5K. The fun, family-friendly run will offer participants a scenic route through the grounds of Montpelier, blending history, nature and community spirit. The 3.1 mile loop is ideal for runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels. The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Registration is $35 and closes June 6 at 11:59 p.m. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/MontpelierStation/TheSpiritOfFreedom5K.
With the wine festival returning to Montpelier, special house tours will be available featuring “The Highlights Tour” created by The Montpelier Foundation. Tickets can be pre-purchased online at https://www.simpletix.com/e/the-highlights-tour-tickets-198388. Use the promo code winefestival.
Those looking for a bite to eat will have four vendors to purchase from–Happy Family, Rainbow Food Services, Gregory’s Grill and Try Fabulous Foods. Several other vendors will also be on-site include Pella Windows and Doors of Virginia, Minda’s Cherith Brook Designs, Po River Apiary, MyRoseyLife.com, Shaken not Spurred, Cathy’s Custom Jewelry, Genesis Mobile Cigar Lounge and All About the Beverage.
Admission to the festival is $45 per day which includes tastings or $10 for designated drivers without tastings. Ages 13-20 is $10 and children 12 and under are free. Admission includes entry into the various contests.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.orangevachamber.com/wine-festival. Orange Uncorked is sponsored by UVa Health, Central Virginia Accounting and Payroll, Mason Insurance, Grelen Nursery, Gibson Rental and James Madison’s Montpelier.
