The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival returns to Lake George Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25. This is the third year for the Festival, which has been hailed as one of the best new events in Lake George. Last year’s Festival attracted a record-breaking crowd of 5,200. Attendees come from across New York, New England and Canada to sample craft beverages and artisanal foods, watch culinary demonstrations and shop for specialty merchandise. Festival Owner Sasha Pardy reports that ticket sales have been brisk, and they expect this year’s attendance to exceed 6,000.
“This festival celebrates the bounty of amazing craft beverages and locally made foods that New York has to offer,” says Pardy in a press statement, “and we’re excited to report that we will have more vendors and variety than ever before.” Pardy is also co-owner and president of the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival’s presenting sponsor, Adirondack Winery of Lake George.
The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival is a “try before you buy” farmers’ market-style event. At the gates, attendees are given a souvenir wine glass, which they may use to sample wine, craft brews, ciders and spirits. A Purchase Drop-Off and Pick-Up Tent by the front gates allows festival-goers to store purchases made throughout the day so they may move unhindered throughout the festival grounds.
The vendors
The Festival added 20 new vendors to its lineup for 2017, which should keep the lines short at each tent. This year, ticket-holders may taste the fare and browse the wares of 80 producers. The vendor list includes:
- 23 wineries
- 8 distilleries
- 4 breweries
- 3 cideries
- 23 artisan food vendors
- 6 specialty vendors
- 8 food trucks
- 1 local restaurant (The Boathouse)
Culinary demonstrations
The SUNY Adirondack Foundation is the Festival’s designated beneficiary. Students in the SUNY Adirondack Culinary Arts Program will be at the festival demonstrating recipes and suggesting wine pairings. The Foundation will be selling baked goods, bottled water and conducting a raffle to raise funds for student scholarships, faculty and staff professional development grants and to support special college-related projects.
Hours and Ticket info
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 24 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. Tickets are available at a discount until June 16 at the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival website. The cost for a pre-sale wine tasting ticket is $27 and is valid for one-day. Buyers must select either Saturday or Sunday at the time of purchase.
For those who wish to attend both days, the Festival is offering a two-day value package that includes admission on both days, a 6-bottle wine tote, a glass holder necklace, a bottle of Lake George Premium Brand water, commemorative wine glass and Lake George coupon book. Value packages, priced at $55, are available through June 16.
After June 16, the price for a wine tasting ticket increases to $35. Tickets will be available at the gate, although last year, Saturday sold out, so those wishing to attend may wish to buy in advance to avoid disappointment.
Designated Driver & Underage tickets (ages 16 – 20) are $15 and include admission and sampling at the artisan food booths. Children 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
Tasting-ticket holders must be 21- years or older and show a valid ID at the gate.
About the Festival Commons
The Festival Commons are located in the Charles R. Wood Park on West Brook Road at the Southern tip of Lake George. The two-acre grounds have permanent restroom facilities and are adjacent to a children’s adventure playground and the Lake George Skate Plaza. Metered parking is available on the streets surrounding the park and in nearby public and private parking lots. Expect to pay $1 – $2 per hour for metered parking or $10 for a full day in a parking lot.
Tips for festival-goers
The festival is rain or shine. Depending on the forecast, you may wish to pack a sunhat and sunblock or an umbrella. Take a Break Tents with tables and chairs will be set up throughout the festival for those seeking a rest. The Charles R. Wood Park is a smoke-free venue. Ticket holders are allowed to leave and return to the grounds throughout the day.