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International Wine, Beer & Food Festival Returns This Weekend - A Celebration of Local Flavor and Global Hospitality

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/18 .. tion-of-local-flavor-and-global-hospitality.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 15:57 GMT by fox17online

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International Wine, Beer & Food Festival Returns This Weekend – A Celebration of Local Flavor and Global Hospitality

The long‑awaited International Wine, Beer & Food Festival is back in town this weekend, drawing food lovers, oenophiles and craft beer aficionados from across the region for a weekend of tastings, entertainment and culinary discovery. The festival, hosted at the downtown Fairgrounds, opens its doors Saturday, June 23, at 10 a.m. and runs through Sunday, June 24, until 8 p.m. The event promises a rich blend of local produce, world‑class wines, craft brews and international cuisine—all in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting.

What to Expect

A Taste of the World, Right Here at Home

The festival’s main attraction is the vast selection of wines and beers from around the globe. Attendees can sample vintages from France, Italy, Spain and emerging regions such as South America and New Zealand, all on a single tasting line. For beer lovers, the festival features an impressive lineup of craft brews from local breweries such as River City Brewing, Twin Peaks IPA, and the newly launched “BrewCo” series of experimental styles. Each tasting station offers a complimentary sampler, with the option to purchase full bottles or growlers for take‑home enjoyment.

Culinary Highlights

Beyond the drinks, the festival showcases an array of culinary delights. More than 25 food stalls offer everything from artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and charcuterie platters to gourmet pizzas, tacos, and Asian fusion. Notably, the “Taste of Mexico” booth brings authentic street tacos and churros, while the “Savory Soups & Stews” corner features a rotating menu of seasonal soups, including a New England clam chowder and a spicy African berbere stew. The festival also hosts a “Chef’s Table” demonstration where local chefs prepare dishes live, explaining ingredient pairings and cooking techniques.

Live Entertainment and Family Fun

The festival schedule is punctuated with live music, featuring local bands such as the “Folk‑Jazz Collective” and the “River City Brass.” Saturday evening hosts a “Sunset Serenade” featuring acoustic folk tunes, while Sunday’s “Family Fun” lineup includes a mariachi group and a pop‑soul duo. For children, the festival has a dedicated “Kids’ Corner” where they can learn about food safety, taste new foods, and enjoy games and crafts.

Key Features Highlighted in the Fox 17 Article

Festival Origins and Growth

According to the Fox 17 piece, the International Wine, Beer & Food Festival began in 2010 as a modest gathering of local wineries and breweries. Over the past decade, it has grown into a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, attracting over 15,000 visitors annually. The article stresses the festival’s role in boosting local tourism, with visitors spending an estimated $1.2 million in nearby hotels, restaurants, and retail shops.

Special Guests and Awards

The weekend also includes a “World’s Best Wine Tasting” competition, with the winning wine awarded the “Golden Sip” trophy. The judges, a panel of industry experts from New York, London and Sydney, will evaluate entries from a curated selection of 20 wines. Additionally, the festival will feature a live interview with celebrated winemaker Elena Martinez, who has been praised for her organic vineyard practices.

Community Partnerships

The Fox 17 story highlights the festival’s partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit “Taste for a Cause.” Proceeds from the event support scholarships for culinary students and community garden initiatives. The article links to the festival’s official website for those interested in volunteer opportunities or sponsorship packages.

Ticketing and Logistics

Ticketing is straightforward: general admission is free, but guests who wish to participate in the “VIP Wine & Beer Club” can purchase a $25 pass that includes a private tasting room, a complimentary growler, and a branded tote bag. Tickets are available online at the festival’s official site and at the Fairgrounds entrance on Saturday. Parking is available in the adjacent lot, with a $10 fee for two hours or less, and a discount for residents of the city.

Additional Context from Follow‑Up Links

The Fox 17 article includes a link to the festival’s official website, where readers can view a full map of the Fairgrounds, a list of all participating vendors, and a detailed schedule of music performances. There is also a dedicated “Sustainability” page, explaining the festival’s eco‑friendly practices: biodegradable utensils, a recycling station for glass and aluminum, and a “zero‑waste” pledge that encourages vendors to reduce packaging.

A separate link directs to a press release from the local Chamber of Commerce, offering background on the festival’s economic impact and detailing the “Taste for a Cause” initiative’s recent accomplishments—most notably, the launch of a community garden that provides fresh produce to food‑insecure households.

Finally, a social media integration link invites readers to share their festival experiences using the hashtag #IWF2023, and encourages fans to follow the official Instagram and Facebook pages for live updates, photo contests, and exclusive giveaways.

Why You Should Attend

Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier, a casual beer drinker, or simply someone who enjoys trying new foods, the International Wine, Beer & Food Festival offers something for everyone. The festival’s emphasis on local and international products ensures a diverse tasting experience, while the interactive demonstrations and live performances make for a lively, memorable weekend.

Not only does the festival celebrate gastronomy and mixology, but it also supports the local economy and fosters community through partnerships with charitable organizations. By attending, you’re contributing to a tradition that has grown into an essential event for the city’s cultural and economic life.

Plan Your Visit

• Dates: Saturday, June 23 – Sunday, June 24
• Location: Downtown Fairgrounds, 1234 Main St.
• Tickets: Free general admission; $25 VIP pass available
• Parking: Adjacent lot, $10 two‑hour fee
• Website: www.internationalwinefestival.com (link provided in Fox 17 article)

Don’t miss the chance to explore world‑class wines, craft beers, and mouth‑watering cuisine all under one roof. Bring your friends, family, and an appetite for discovery—this weekend’s festival promises to be a celebration of flavor, culture, and community that you won’t want to miss.