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Food and Wine
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Food and Wine
Source : (remove) : 14 NEWS
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Holiday World's 'Wined Down' Festival Returns with Gourmet Food & Wine

Holiday World Launches Summer Wined Down Festival with Exciting New Menu Innovations

Santa Claus, Indiana – As the summer heat lingers and families seek ways to unwind, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari has once again proven why it's a beloved destination for Midwestern thrill-seekers and food enthusiasts alike. The theme park kicked off its highly anticipated Summer Wined Down Festival on August 4, 2025, transforming the park into a vibrant hub of relaxation, entertainment, and culinary delights. This annual event, now in its third year, invites guests to "wine down" with a selection of fine wines, craft beers, and an array of new menu items designed to elevate the park's already impressive dining scene. With the festival running through select weekends in August, it's the perfect capstone to a season filled with roller coasters, water slides, and family fun.

Holiday World, nestled in the quaint town of Santa Claus, has long been renowned for its clean, family-friendly atmosphere and free unlimited soft drinks – a perk that's become legendary among visitors. But the Summer Wined Down Festival takes the park's commitment to guest experience to new heights by focusing on adult-oriented relaxation amid the excitement. Park officials describe the event as a way to blend the high-energy thrills of rides like The Voyage, one of the world's top-rated wooden roller coasters, with moments of serene indulgence. "We're all about creating memories that last," said Holiday World spokesperson Leah Koch-Blumhardt in a recent interview. "The Summer Wined Down Festival allows our guests to slow down, savor some exceptional wines, and enjoy innovative food pairings that highlight seasonal flavors."

At the heart of this year's festival are the new menu items, meticulously crafted by the park's culinary team to complement the wine selections and appeal to a wide range of palates. Leading the lineup is the "Sunset Charcuterie Board," a shareable platter featuring artisanal cheeses from local Indiana dairies, cured meats, fresh fruits like sun-ripened grapes and berries, and house-made dips such as a tangy balsamic reduction and herb-infused olive tapenade. Priced at $24.99, this board is designed for groups, encouraging visitors to gather around picnic tables in the festival's designated relaxation zones while sipping on chilled rosés or robust reds.

Another standout addition is the "Wined Down Grilled Cheese," a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food. This sandwich layers sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and prosciutto between slices of sourdough bread, grilled to perfection and drizzled with a fig and wine reduction sauce. At $12.99, it's paired ideally with a light Pinot Grigio, and early festival-goers have raved about its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sophisticated flavor profile. For those seeking something lighter, the "Mediterranean Wine Salad" offers a refreshing mix of mixed greens, feta cheese, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and grilled chicken, tossed in a vinaigrette made with white wine and fresh herbs. This $14.99 dish is a nod to summer's bounty, sourcing ingredients from regional farms to ensure freshness and support local agriculture.

Sweet tooths aren't left out, with the introduction of "Berry Bliss Parfait," a layered dessert featuring vanilla yogurt, fresh berries macerated in a sweet wine syrup, granola, and a hint of mint. At just $8.99, it's a guilt-free treat that pairs beautifully with dessert wines or sparkling options. The festival also features returning favorites like wine-infused slushies and craft beer flights, but the new items emphasize creativity and seasonality, drawing inspiration from global wine regions while keeping portions generous and prices accessible – a hallmark of Holiday World's value-driven approach.

The beverage selection is equally impressive, curated in partnership with Indiana wineries and national distributors. Guests can sample over 20 varieties of wine, including local favorites from Oliver Winery and imported options from California and Italy. Tastings are available at pop-up bars scattered throughout the park's Thanksgiving section, where live music from acoustic bands sets a laid-back vibe. For $29.99, the "Wined Down Passport" grants access to five tastings, a commemorative glass, and exclusive discounts on full pours. Beer lovers can opt for the craft beer trail, featuring IPAs, lagers, and seasonal brews from breweries like Sun King and Upland.

What sets this festival apart is its integration with the park's overall experience. Unlike standalone wine events, Summer Wined Down encourages guests to intersperse tastings with rides and shows. Imagine sipping a crisp Sauvignon Blanc after a splashdown on the Wildebeest water coaster, or enjoying a Cabernet Sauvignon while watching the evening fireworks. Family-friendly non-alcoholic options, such as mocktails and fruit-infused lemonades, ensure everyone can participate. The event also includes educational elements, like wine pairing workshops led by sommeliers, where attendees learn about flavor profiles and how to match wines with park foods.

Holiday World's history adds depth to the festival's appeal. Founded in 1946 as Santa Claus Land, the park has evolved from a simple roadside attraction into a world-class destination, adding Splashin' Safari water park in 1993 and continually expanding its offerings. The Koch family, who have owned and operated the park for generations, emphasize innovation while preserving a wholesome, inclusive environment. This ethos shines through in the Summer Wined Down Festival, which was born out of post-pandemic desires for safe, outdoor socializing. "After challenging times, people wanted ways to reconnect," Koch-Blumhardt noted. "We saw an opportunity to create something special that combines our love for fun with the artistry of wine and food."

Visitor feedback from the opening weekend has been overwhelmingly positive. Families from Evansville, Louisville, and beyond praised the seamless blend of excitement and relaxation. One attendee, Sarah Jenkins from Owensboro, Kentucky, shared, "The new menu items are a game-changer. The grilled cheese with wine sauce was divine, and it's so nice to have adult options without leaving the kids out." Park attendance during festival weekends typically surges by 15-20%, according to internal estimates, drawing both regulars and first-timers eager for the unique experience.

Safety remains a priority, with designated drivers receiving free soft drinks and non-alcoholic tastings. The park enforces a strict no-overindulgence policy, with staff trained to monitor and assist guests. Sustainability efforts are evident too, with biodegradable serving ware and partnerships with eco-friendly wineries.

As the festival continues through August, Holiday World invites guests to plan their visits around themed nights, such as "Sunset Serenade" with extended music sets or "Family Wine-Free Fun" for alcohol-free evenings. Tickets for the park include festival access, with general admission starting at $59.99 for adults. For more details, visitors can check the official Holiday World website or app for schedules and menus.

In a world of fast-paced entertainment, the Summer Wined Down Festival at Holiday World offers a refreshing pause – a chance to savor the moment with good food, great wine, and the timeless joy of a theme park adventure. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking to unwind, this event promises to make your summer memorable. With its innovative new menu items stealing the show, it's clear that Holiday World is raising the bar for seasonal celebrations, one sip and bite at a time. (Word count: 1,048)

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[ https://www.14news.com/2025/08/04/holiday-world-kicks-off-summer-wined-down-festival-with-new-menu-items/ ]