Serving as a center for manufacturing from the mid-18th Century to the Early 20th Century, Phoenixville is an ideal location for a relaxing Pennsylvania excursion. Visitors will find the city is home to a rapidly growing craft brewing scene. Beer lovers can taste unique handcrafted beers at favorite local producers such as Iron Hill Brewery, Stable 12 Brewing Company, and Crowded Castle Brewing Company. The city has also grown into a hotbed of creative talent and artistic expression. Curious travelers will love getting a taste of the local culture at the Colonial Theater, The Art Gallery at Franklin Commons, and Diving Cat Studio and Gallery.
The Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival has established itself as a go-to Pennsylvania brewing experience in only its second year, and it will take place May 12 at the Kimberton Fairgrounds. This year’s edition will feature more than 150 beers, wines, and spirits from more than 50 regional producers. From lagers and porters to merlots and rieslings, attendees will have no trouble finding new beverages to amaze their palates. In addition to the variety of drinks, attendees can also find snacks and meals made by local favorites such as Uncle B’s BBQ, Ka’Chi Truck, Beverly’s Pastry Shop, and more. Local musician John Valerio will perform live throughout the event entertaining the masses with his unique and creative piano performances. Attendees can also stop by the vendor marketplace, which will feature a variety of handmade and unique items made by local artisanal vendors. Purchase of a VIP ticket includes early entry, specialty tastings, unlimited total tastings and more. We interviewed Event Organizer, Tim Hennessey, to learn more about this unique celebration of beer and wine.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
TH: The Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival is in its second year. Funds raised from the festival will benefit local non-profit organizations.
RAL: How many annual attendees do you draw?
TH: The Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival will eclipse 2,000 people in 2018.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
TH: Adults over 21+, couples, bachelorette & bachelor parties, reunions, corporate outings, social clubs singles and beer/wine connoisseurs.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
TH: With a lineup of craft beer, wine, cider, mead, and spirits, there is something for everyone at the Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival. For beer lovers, we will feature stouts, porters, ambers and browns, lagers, pilsners, IPAs, ales, and sours. For wine connoisseurs, we offer chardonnay, riesling, pinot grigio, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and many other varieties. The festival encourages attendees to try new beers and wines without spending a lot of money.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
TH: The Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival is held under three large pavilions. Upon entry, attendees will receive a glass to taste unlimited wine, beer, mead, cider and spirit samples from 50+ breweries and wineries. Visitors will enjoy live music by local musician John Valerio, and guests can browse among our local artisanal vendors. Tasty food is available from local restaurants and food trucks.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
TH: At the Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival, guests can feast on food from nine different restaurants and food trucks. Some of the options include local favorites such as comfort food from Your Mom’s Place, barbeque from Uncle B’s BBQ, American fusion from Heart Food Truck, Korean BBQ from Ka’Chi Truck, Caribbean soul food from The Avenue, roast beef from Nick’s Roast Beef, grilled burgers and hot dogs from the Kimberton Fire Company Grill, cheese curds from the Cow and the Curd and pastries, and sweets from Beverly’s Pastry Shop.
RAL: Tell us about the overall atmosphere?
TH: The Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival offers a fun and relaxing atmosphere, where attendees can sample great beverages and mingle with their friends. So get your friends together, listen to some music, browse our artisan vendors, try some tasty food options and have a ton of fun!
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up for the event?
TH: The Courtyard Philadelphia Great Valley/Malvern has offered an exclusive deal for Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival attendees: $109-119 per night with free shuttle service to/from the festival.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
TH: The Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival encourages festival attendees to stay the weekend. Attendees book hotel rooms and frequent local restaurants, businesses and shops over Mother’s Day weekend. By doing so, they fall in love with the town and want to come back.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
TH: The Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival has a regional impact. Ticket-goers from 16 states and three countries attended our inaugural event in 2017. We give priority to Phoenixville businesses that want to participate in the festival and work with many Pennsylvania breweries and wineries. Local partners provide goods and services.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
TH: The Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival highlights local breweries, wineries, distilleries, restaurants and food trucks in one of America’s best small towns. Attendees can sample 200+ beers, wines, meads, ciders and spirits for only $40. The festival raises money to support local non-profit organizations. The event is accessible from major highways including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-95, I-76 and Routes 100 and 422.
For more information about the Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival, please visit the event website.