With 85 years of festival experience, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival officially kicks off its 85th year with a Wine Fest all ages will enjoy. Beginning on April 27th, one can walk down the Loudoun Street Walking Mall in historic Old Town Winchester. This two day event provides a traditional wine tasting atmosphere featuring numerous wineries in two "Wine Gardens" Over thirty artisans and vendors will be set up along the Old Town Mall along with the local merchants offering a wide variety of art, jewelry, bags, pottery and more.

John Rosenberger, Executive Director says, "The Wine Festival is the newest part of the festival which now is attracting over 250,000 visitors. The communities surrounding Winchester/Frederick County share in the growth of the Apple Blossom Festival and feel it is their home town festival as well. Since Winchester/Frederick County are about 120,000 this more than doubles our community between these two weekends. By doing this wine festival we can spread our events out and not jammed into four days resulting in more people being able to attend more than one event."

Music is a big part of the Apple Blossom Festival and the Wine Fest is just one more example. Two stages will be set up with on-going bands thru out the event. Plus culinary vendors will be located in both gardens offering a wide variety of food and snacks for every age and taste.

The Wine Gardens are located on two downtown parking lots: the Feltner Wine Garden is located on the corner of Boscawen and Loudoun Streets. and the Hable's Wine Garden is located on the southern end of the mall across from the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum.

Dario Savarese, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, for the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival says "There are many reasons for expanding the festival but quite literally the main reason was the over whelming support from sponsors. We ran out of events they could host. Secondly, the Apple Blossom Festival highlights Winchester/Frederick County and we wanted to showcase the Main Street Downtown Mall. This wine festival is for all ages with the Shenandoah Discovery Museum opened for a fun family day as well. People can enjoy wine while also finding out about the diversity of our restaurants and art galleries downtown."

"The Wine Festival actually started as part of the Park celebration", says Dario, "We soon decided it could be an event of its own. It has expanded our audience and our demographics. This is truly a weekend event. You can attend the festival and also tour the many historic sites in the area."

The Wine Festival runs from 3:00 to 10:00 on Friday and from 11:00 to 6:00 on Saturday. If you need accommodations . Coming out for the weekend or for a week and want to know more about events and activities for your weekend visit go to Go Blue Ridge Travel.

Join our Facebook Page and win an overnight stay courtesy of: Wingate by Wyndham, Four Seasons Sunroom, and Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.

Here in the Blue Ridge area, I some time think we take for granted the beauty that surrounds us. I asked our Go Blue Ridge Travel Events Coordinator to find me celebrations for Earth Day. I hope you will go to some of these and educate yourself to "Going Green."  Our first two events are really geared to children which is a good thing. You can also experience a culinary green event from our neighbor in Nelson County.  Finally take a serious look at the Green initative in Berryville, Virginia. 

Bring your family to the 4th Annual Earth Day at Loudoun Family Festival. Located at Clyde's Willow Creek Farm, the Kids Zone includes a petting zoo, live animal exhibits, and games. You can enjoy live music, wine and beer from local breweries, gardens, exhibitors, and artisans.  learn about how to take care of the beautiful Blue Ridge and find healthy alternative options for you and your fmaily. This is an Earth Day Celebration that everyone can appreciate!

In the Shenandoah Valley,  the Children's Discovery Museum is combining Earth Day with its 16th Anniversary Bash! Focus on keeping the environment bright and beautiful while enjoying guest speakers, planting seeds, magic acts, balloon sculpting, face painting, theatre, and more! Also, bring your favorite tank top to learn how to turn it into a tote! You won't want to miss this ode to the Earth - it makes taking care of the environment easy and fun!