Wheaton plays host to wine, cultural arts festival

The Downtown Wheaton Association and Wheaton Park District are partnering to present an event featuring wine tasting, fine art and musical entertainment during the Wine and Cultural Arts Festival from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 20 in Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave.

Wine enthusiasts will enjoy tasting wine from all over North America and the globe, says Paula Barrington, executive director of the Downtown Wheaton Association.

"Throughout last year's festival, people repeatedly expressed their hope we would schedule the Wheaton Wine and Cultural Arts Festival again in 2014," she said.

"Attendees enthused over the vast selection and quality of the wines offered throughout the day and they loved the park setting for the event, with live background music being piped throughout the park."

The festival will allow participants to sample a variety of spirits and order their favorites to take home.

Barrington says the event offers "wine novices and aficionados the ability to taste more than 70 fine wines from across the country and the world. Based on last year's selections, festival attendees can expect rich and earthy Malbecs for red wine lovers and crisp Rieslings to take you from summer into fall."

While they sip and sample, festivalgoers can peruse the work of local artists. The artisans - including painters, sculptors, glass blowers, jewelry designers and textile artists - also will be demonstrating their work, giving attendees a front-row seat to observe the creative process.

Throughout the day, each visitor will be given the chance to vote for their favorite wine. The winning wine will be featured in at least one downtown Wheaton restaurant for the coming year.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the park. Both options include a souvenir glass and 12 tastings. There is a $5 cover for entry without wine.