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Written By Susan Fair

If you have been to the Maryland Wine Festival, you know that there is more to it than clinking glasses, wine tasting, music, laughter, picnics, and – that ultimate experience – discovering a vintage so delicious that you just have to buy a few bottles before heading home.

There is a good way to enhance your experience at the 27th Annual Maryland Wine Festival. When attending the event, scheduled for September 18 and 19 at the Carroll County Farm Museum, consider the following tips:

First, check The Maryland Wine Festival website at www.marylandwinefestival.org. It can yield a wealth of information, such as lists of vendors who will be on site and the schedule for musical performances.

Another great online resource is the festival’s Facebook page, where you will not only find updated info from festival organizers, but also advice from attendees (e.g., get a group of friends together and rent a limo for the day). And be sure to look for the recycling bins for your wine bottles, as well as posts from festival vendors.

Each year approximately 25,000 people descend on the Farm Museum for the wine festival. Thus, your next step in planning is very basic: Where will you park?

Mark Duvall, supervisor of the grounds at the Farm Museum, says if you want to park at the museum, plan to get there early.

“On Saturday,” he said, “the lot is usually full by 1 or 1:30; your best bet is to use the shuttle.” The free shuttles, which run continuously throughout the event, leave from the Carroll County Office Building and Carroll Community College, and will drop you off right at the festival entrance.

If you decide to take your chances on parking at the festival, you may end up with a bit of a walk – overflow parking will be directed to the Ag Center.

“So wear comfortable shoes,” said Duvall.

Westminster resident Sharon Roman, who has attended past festivals, agrees:

“No matter how good those three-inch heels look at home, don’t even think about wearing them – notice the word Ôfarm’ in Farm Museum.”

Once you are there, you may want to stake out a comfy spot to settle in for the day. Festival goers often bring lawn chairs, while some opt to spread out a blanket. Sharon Roman has advice on this subject as well:

“Don’t put a blanket in a busy spot – people will trip over you.”

One thing is sure to be on everyone’s mind: where are the bathrooms? If you cannot find a restroom at the wine festival, it is a sure sign you have had too much to drink. Some 50 portapotties will be available, as well as three sets of standard men’s and ladies’ rooms. And for those who are counting, the fixed facilities have a total of 8 men’s toilets, 9 urinals, and 19 women’s toilets.

Another subject many festival goers seem to agree on is kids – leaving them home, that is.

“It is a kid-friendly outing. But if you’re looking for a relaxing day, plan to leave the kids at home,” said area resident and wine enthusiast Lorie Morelock-Patterson, who has quite a few festivals under her belt. And Patti Brant, a lifelong Westminster resident who has previously volunteered at the festival, agrees: “Get a babysitter for a few hours!”

Which brings us to the star of the festival: the wine. At a wine festival, featuring some 29 vintners, it can be easy to get overwhelmed – and over-wined.

“We suggest that festival-goers have a tasting strategy,” said Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association. “Whether it’s to taste white wines, wines from new wineries – a certain variety – there are so many wines to taste, it pays to be targeted.”

Emily Johnston, who conducts the tasting seminars, suggests that you attend one before you do anything else. She says the seminars are popular, so plan to arrive early.

“Regular attendees to the festival attend, because they know they get more wine.” said Johnston. The seminars run from noon until 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 until 4 p.m. on Sunday, and are included in the cost of admission.

Another often overlooked detail: “Bring a corkscrew,” said Sharon Roman. Last time I was there I think I opened wine bottles for about 10 people.”

Wine and food go hand in hand, and many festival goers choose to bring their own snacks, as well as to sample the vendors’ offerings.

“A group of us bring our favorite appetizers, assorted fruits and cheeses,” said Morlock-Patterson. From there we go on the hunt for a bottle of wine to complement (the food) and we share our goodies.”

Food is an important part of your festival experience.

“The best advice I could give is to eat something while sampling the wine,” said Sgt. James Hockett of the Westminster Barracks of the Maryland State Police. “The alcohol will be absorbed by the food and released into the body at a slower rate.”

Sgt. Hockett and Mark Duvall both suggest consuming lots of non-alcoholic fluids while at the festival. Duvall said that every year there are a few unfortunate folks who forget that important rule and end up needing assistance for dehydration.

And finally, remembering these rules may make leaving the festival a lot easier. The Center for Disease Control website reminds us that a 5-ounce glass of wine contains the same amount of alcohol as 1.5 ounces of whiskey, vodka or other liquor, and emphasizes that it’s the amount of alcoholic beverage, not the type, that affects you.

While the Maryland State Police will offer voluntary breathalyzer tests at the gates, Sgt. Hockett says that most people observe what may be the most important part of planning for the wine festival:

“The majority of people attending this event have designated drivers,”said Sgt. Hockett.

And last but not least, something you may well appreciate when you take the shuttle back to your parked car: There you will find more portable restroom facilities, thoughtfully placed by the event planners for your post-festival convenience.

THE DETAILS:
WHEN: Saturday, September 18, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 19, noon until 6 p.m.

WHERE: Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 South Center Street, Westminster

PRICE: $25 for adults 21 and over with I.D. Includes logo-engraved wine glass, samples of Maryland wines, education seminars, guided tour of the Farmhouse and more; ages 7-20, $5; age 6 and under, free if accompanied by paying adult. Designated driver tickets are $20 and do not include samples or wine glass. There will be special expedited entry for advance ticket holders. Visit the website at: www.marylandwinefestival.org for advance tickets. E-ticket sales will close at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25.

SHUTTLE: Free Shuttle Service with handicap access will be provided from the Carroll County Office Building on Center Street and Carroll Community College on Route 32. Shuttle service runs continuously from one hour before until one hour after the festival.

For more information call the Farm Museum at 410-386-3880 or 1-800-654-4645.