Wally Wine Fest on Lake Wallenpaupack is a three-day celebration of all things wine. The premiere wine festival in the Pocono Mountains blends tastings, food, shopping and entertainment into one unforgettable event. Check out our guide to the weekend, April 14-16.
Water & Wine…The Perfect Pairing
Does travelling the globe to taste wines from some of the best grape growing regions in the world sound like a bucket list dream? Here’s your chance to check it off your list without logging thousands of miles! The 7th Annual Wally Wine Fest brings domestic and international vintages lakeside to the Waterfront at Silver Birches on Saturday and Sunday. There will be two seated wine tastings each day accompanied by small plates. Tickets may be purchased for sessions from noon.-2 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. This is the only wine festival of its kind in the Pocono Mountains that showcases pours from wineries across the nation and throughout the world.
Uncork the Possibilities
Claude Briere, sommelier for Settlers Hospitality, personally selects each wine for the festival. Briere is a renowned wine expert who journeys abroad as a consultant and lecturer advising on wine selections, pairings and service. The event draws wineries from as far away as New Zealand, Italy, France, Napa Valley and the Pacific Northwest as well as varietals grown and produced in the Pocono Mountains region.
Wally Wine Fest appeals to novice wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Newbies have the chance to sample diverse pours in one place and really discover which wine suits their palate. Savvy wine lovers relish the opportunity to interact with wine makers, restauranteurs and sommeliers who are knowledgeable in flavor profiles, can discuss the differences among wine, grapes and varietals, plus point out the notes to be enjoyed for each. Bottles of every wine featured are available for sale. With prices ranging from $10-$100, there’s something to match every taste and budget.
Whet Your Appetite
There will also be a wide selection of food and bakery treats available for sale. Festivities include live entertainment each day and a silent auction benefiting the Lake Wallenpaupack fireworks. Overnight stays at some of the area’s finest accommodations are up for grabs along with gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. You can also place a bid on golf and spa packages as well as boat and paddle board rentals.
Stop & Shop
Stop & ShopThe Marketplace will showcase fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers– all available for purchase. Shop offerings from places such as Art on the Edge, which features home and wine décor. Check out Moka Origins. The Honesdale, PA based food purveyor crafts bean to bar chocolate and specialty coffee. The vendors are still pouring in for a fun and vibrant marketplace you’ll love to peruse and enjoy.
Wine & Dine
On Friday, April 14, The Settlers Inn hosts a Slab and Cab Wine Dinner. A Bubbly Brunch at The Settlers Inn is scheduled for Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 from 11:30 .a.m.-2:30 p.m. Enjoy a tasting flight of bubbly wines, Prix Fixe Menu and live music.
Just the Ticket
Everyone who attends Wally Wine Fest receives a commemorative wine glass. Admission is $60 in advance and $75 at the door and includes four tasting courses featuring three wine samplings per tasting. A $200 Platinum admission also includes a seat at the Wine Dinner at The Settlers Inn on April 14. Admission for designated drivers is $25. Tickets are available online wallywinefest.com.
Sip & Stay 
Many area hotels and resorts are offering lodging packages specifically for the festival. The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel and Silver Birches Resort have multiple packages that include tickets to the wine festival plus shuttle service to and from the event. Check out the Sunday Special, which offers the best pricing.
Celebrate fall with a Grape Escape to the Wally Wine Fest on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains!