Over 30 vintners and wine importers will pour dozens of international wines during the inaugural Wellen Park Wine Festival Nov. 15-16 in Downtown Wellen. Participating vendors will feature vintages from famous national and international wine-producing regions. John Cannon Homes is the presenting sponsor of the festival, which features an exclusive VIP wine dinner and preview tasting with Napa Valley’s celebrated Cakebread Cellars on Friday, Nov. 15. A ticketed outdoor event, the Nov. 16 wine fest, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the Great Lawn in the heart of Downtown Wellen Park, also offers an educational wine class, live music and culinary offerings from Downtown Wellen restaurants. A limited number of select wines will be available for immediate purchase (first come, first served), while more exclusive wines can be ordered and picked up at The Banyan House restaurant within two weeks. All wine sales will take place at the retail sales tent adjacent to The Banyan House restaurant. The wine dinner, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in Solis Hall, features Cakebread Cellars’ impressive portfolio of wines. Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread, whose sons, Bruce and Dennis, own the winery today. In its 50-year history, the family-owned winery has earned a reputation for its exceptional wines and leading-edge sustainability practices. Best known for its Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. The family’s offerings include 18 wines in total, with nine distributed nationally and internationally. Kobrand, a family-owned importer and distributor of fine wines, will also offer several festival tents featuring its distinguished collection of hand-selected American, French and South American wines, port and sake. The Wellen Park Wine Festival celebrates the distinguished winemakers and the culinary talents of downtown restaurateurs. Space is limited and tickets are available at wellenpark.com/wine. Tickets for the VIP wine dinner and festival are $250. Festival-only admission is $85. Both experiences include a souvenir wine glass, swag bag and four food tickets for the festival’s tents featuring gourmet cuisine from culinary partners Acqua Pazza, The Banyan House, Oak & Stone and Villani & Co. Guests will also enjoy live jazz on the Solis Hall stage. Festival participants who are new to wine tasting can enhance their wine knowledge at the Wine Tasting 101 class from 11 a.m. to noon in Solis Hall. The class introduces attendees to various varietals via tastings. Tickets are $15. There will be limited seating available on the Great Lawn; guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.

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