Since 2004 Deep Creek Lake Art and Wine Festival has combined an unforgettable event experience with supporting the cause of HART for Animals (dedicated to saving the lives of homeless pets in western Maryland). The festival features over 200 different wines to taste from Maryland and all over the United States. When you've found that perfect vintage head over to the wine tent where all the sampled wines can be purchased. While some may be there to only enjoy the vino, Maryland's vibrant art scene is also on display. Over 30 local and national artists gather to sell their art and support the HART cause. Food is in abundance and includes unique artisan food from local producers. We got the opportunity to interview Paula Yudelevit the Executive Director of HART.
RAL: What sets this event apart from other events?
PY: The festival is indicative of our resort area. It’s at the county fairgrounds. The wine booths and artisans are housed within the fair barns. Very grassroots. We also make wine purchasing convenient with a wine store. So, unlike most wine festivals where you purchase the wines at the winery tents, our wines are in the fairgrounds exhibit hall. One stop. We have volunteer help take the wine to the guests’ vehicles. The event is located in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, which is a resort destination for the Pittsburgh, DC Metro, and Baltimore markets. The fall foliage in the mountains of western Maryland adds to the overall excitement.
RAL: Tell me a little about the event.
PY: The Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival is now in its 11th year. We have an average attendance between 2,800 to 3,200 people annually
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
PY: Our target is adults 25+, Couples, girls weekend groups, and we’ve even had bachelor parties and bachelorette parties! We also have wine clubs (Sisters of the Vine, a group of 30+ women from all over the east coast have been attending for 8 or more years).
RAL: Take me through a day at the event...what can I expect as an attendee?
PY: Activities: wine tasting from over 200 Maryland and national wines. A Premier Wine Tasting area with premium wine tasting, appetizers and a separate wine store. Local and regional artisans, including food artisans such as the international award-winning Firefly Farms Goat Cheese (located in Garrett County). Fun activities such as a photo booth, tattoo artist, balloon artist, horse-drawn carriage rides. Live entertainment. Food vendors. Lots of fun.
RAL: Tell me about the dining expierence.
PY: This is a very casual, grassroots festival. However, there are several wine pairing dinners on Friday night, Sept 11 at participating restaurants.
RAL: What is the overall environment like?
PY: Indoors and outdoors. Casual. Guests enjoy the afternoon of wine tasting and artisans among the gorgeous fall foliage. Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake are consistently voted as one of the best places for fall foliage in many travel publications.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
PY: Accommodations include lakefront and mountaintop resort rental homes, beautifully appointed, log B&B’s on the lake, Wisp Resort, which features two golf courses, outdoor adventures, fine dining and well-appointed rooms.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?
PY: Yes, there are lodging packages available that include lodging, entry to the festival and wine dinner certificates. The partners are listed on our website at www.deepcreekwinefest.com/lodging. Lodging partners include hotels, B&B’s, and resort rental properties, many lakeside.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
PY: The Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival is one of Garrett County’s top five festivals. Travelers love to come to the area for the natural beauty of the region, Deep Creek Lake, the mountains, and the outdoor activities. With 90,000 acres of parks, trails, and lakeside amenities, outdoor recreation abounds all-year long. Fall is an especially beautiful time to visit the area. The mountains come alive with color! The Art & Wine Festival is a fun experience for couples, wine clubs, bachelor and bachelorette parties and anyone who loves the outdoors and wine! Plus, the festival benefits two local nonprofits and is coordinated by an all-volunteer committee. All combined, the festival makes for a perfect weekend of fun!
If you are interested in the event check out their site at www.deepcreekwinefest.com.