GrapeFest is the state's premier wine event--coming in September

Selections from Cross Timbers Winery

GrapeFest in historic Grapevine has been named one of the top 100 events in the U.S. and Canada. The wine stomping contest brings out the crowds, but there’s a whole weekend of fun and activities to whet your appetite. Sample award winning wines, watch live music, attend a black-tie Wine Tribute showcasing gourmet food and wine pairing, browse assorted food vendors, check out arts and crafts (woodworking, paintings, leather, goods, and more), watch cooking demonstrations, and keep kids entertained with games or a ride on the vintage railroad.

During GrapeFest, the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic is always a favorite; it features some of Texas’ finest wines in the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation. Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state, and guests will have the chance to sample over 125 Texas wines submitted from more than 30Texas wineries. Participants will receive a Wine Reference Guide, tasting notes on each wine being served, an official voting ballot and a commemorative wine glass.

GrapeFest also features:

- Grapevine Winery Tasting Room Tours

- Texas Wine Tribute Dinner

- GrapeStomp

- Culinary Pavilion

- ItalianCarFest

- Live Music on six stages

- Great Festival Food

- Arts & Crafts Booths

- Carnival & Midway Games

- GrapeFest Mini-Excursions on Grapevine Vintage Railroad

- KidZone

Where to stay: Many hotels in Grapevine and around DFW airport are offering special GrapeFest packages that include tickets and commemorative items as well as accommodations. Suggested hotels: Gaylord Texas Hotel (fabulous couples retreat), Great Wolf Lodge (best family location), Embassy Suites DFW Airport (sportsman’s paradise--connected to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World), Hilton DFW and Austin Ranch (Go Texan fun), Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt (convenient to the airport). Check www.grapevinetexasusa.com for more hotels and package details.

Garden Manor Bed and Breakfast

If you prefer the ambience of a Bed and Breakfast, check out Garden Manor, a lovely Gouthern Georgian style home located within walking distance of most shops and restaurants in Grapevine. Innkeepers Judy and Gunther Dusek, provide tastefully decorated suites and a full-course plantation breakfast. http://www.gardenmanorbandb.com/

Homestead Winery

GrapeFest opens on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. Admission is free Thursday and Friday until 5 p.m. Hours:Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: $8 adults, $5 seniors (62+) and children (6-12). Children 5 and under are free. Weekend passes are available for $18 with souvenir weekend passes $23.

For more information, call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-457-6338 or 817-410-3185 or visit http://www.grapevintetexasusa.com/

Photos by Larry Burmeier