Vineyard Fest to Showcase the Best of Georgia's Wines

Barrow residents have the opportunity to sample more than 100 wines from around the world, including many made right here in Georgia.

Chateau Elan will host its 15th annual Vineyard Fest from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28.

"We are proud to offer this culinary event for the 15th year, showcasing the best of Georgia's wineries," said Doug Rollins, vice president of sales and marketing for Chateau Elan. 

This year's culinary focus is on local Georgia cuisine. Visit the food tent for artisan cheeses, pulled barbecue pork, fried chicken drums and more. Desserts include pecan pie, peach bread pudding and cold treats by High Roads Ice Cream and Sorbets. Atlanta-based band The League of Decency will perform.

Participants can take place in grape stompings all day, and this event gets more popular as the day goes on. No prior stomping experience is necessary.

Wine makers will give seminars throughout the day. At 2 p.m., Karen Van der Vort with Chateau Elan will discuss the new grapes and wines the vineyard is working with, and Jesse Taymore with the Georgia Winery will speak at 3 p.m. Wines not yet available for retail purchase can be sampled at these seminars. Randy Dempsey with O'Dempsey's Brewery will speak on the beers his local brewery makes at 4 p.m. 

Cooking demonstrations will be held at 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. These will focus on local Georgia produce and foods. Among the presenters will be Chef Chris Hope of Sperata in Lawerenceville and Chateau Elan's Chef Marc Suennemann.

The cost is $75 for an all-inclusive ticket. All tickets must be pre-ordered, either online or by phone, and the event is limited to 2,000 tickets. Those who attend must be 21 or older. Overnight packages are available. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.chateauelan.com or call 678-425-0900.