Wine Fest to feature 6 regional makers

Staff report

COLUMBIANA

The second annual Columbiana Wine Festival will be June 28 from noon to 8 p.m., rain or shine, on the grounds of American Legion Post 290 at 44403 state Route 14.

Six regional winemakers will offer their products: L’uva Bella Winery of Poland, Myrddin and Mastropietro wineries of Berlin Center, Barrel Run Crossing of Rootstown, Viking Winery of Kent and Old Firehouse Winery of Geneva.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 at columbianawinefest.com, and also at the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce office and the Wine Connection in Columbiana, Mason’s Steakhouse in Salem, and Chalet Premier in North Lima.

Admission will be $25 at the gate. A designated driver admission has been added this year for a $10 fee.

Full admission includes 10 tasting tickets, a commemorative festival wine program and souvenir wine glass. Designated-driver admission includes two nonalcoholic beverage tickets, a commemorative festival wine program and souvenir wine glass.

Local bands Donkey Engine and Dr. Freshbutter will perform bluegrass and jazz fusion music throughout the festival, and food vendors will offer barbecue, Italian food, pizza, premium coffees and fine cheeses.

Artisans from Columbiana and Mahoning counties will showcase wine accessories, specialty wine food items, pottery, jewelry and many different kinds of wine-themed gift items.

A world-class amateur winemaking competition will be part of the festival. Entrants can compete against the area’s best winemakers, watch the judging process and then receive professional judging notes. The winners will be announced at the festival. To enter, go to Columbiana Wine Festival on Facebook.

The festival is a 21-and-over event. It is being hosted by the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Whispering Pines Village and Sitler the Printer, both of Columbiana.

Proceeds will benefit the tourism and business development activities of the Chamber. For information, call the chamber at 330-482-3822.