3 cheers: Wine Fest is here 

1 – Sip & sample

Wine Fest, an annual celebration of North East’s winemaking heritage, will be held Sept. 22-24 in Gibson Park. Sample wine, mead and more from 10 wineries, while listening to live music and strolling through the park to enjoy crafters & artisans, food and specialty booths. The event is free to attend, but wine tasting requires a pass. Wine Fest hours are Friday, 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance tickets available online at www.eventbrite.com or at First National Bank North East Branch, North East Borough, North East Chamber of Commerce, Courtyard Winery, Penn Shore Winery and Yori Wine Cellars. Click here for a complete schedule of Wine Fest events including bands and more.

2 – Bubbly brunch

Start the day Saturday with a three-course brunch at The Skunk & Goat Tavern. Each course will be crafted by Chef John Bouquin to pair perfectly with a glass of locally made wine. Seating will be on the outdoor patio. (Indoors in the event of inclement weather.) A limited number of tickets are available for purchase at www.skunkandgoattavern.com  

3 – See the town

Wine Fest weekend is a great way to see historic downtown North East and the surrounding vineyards from a different point of view. Lake Country Bikes’ Wine Country Ride is so much more than a bike ride — with stops at multiple wineries, wine check and food from local businesses including coffee, donuts, pizza and ice cream. Friday’s ride is 15 miles and makes stops at eight wineries, while Saturday’s covers 30 miles, 13 wineries and includes a lunch box and long-sleeve shirt. Visit www.lakecountrybike.com to register. The Wine Fest 5K winds walkers and runners through North East’s historic side streets, past beautiful properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It steps off at 9 a.m. Saturday morning from the corner of Gibson and Park streets, in the northwest corner of the park. Refreshments are served at the finish line, plus prizes for top finishers. Cost is $20 and benefits Downtown North East and North East in Bloom’s efforts to beautify and enhance the downtown district. Register at www.runsignup.com Slow down Saturday and Sunday and take in the town via horse and carriage. Rides offered for free Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. 

Wine Fest is seeking volunteers. Donate a few hours setting up or working at the event and you’ll be supporting local organizations including Downtown North East, McCord Memorial Library, North East Arts Council, North East PA Lions Club and Project Love Inc. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4aaeab2cabfdcf8-winefest1#/

Wine Fest is made possible thanks to these generous sponsors:
Widget Financial – Platinum
Erie News Now – Gold
The Skunk & Goat Tavern – Gold
First National Bank – Silver
Community Nursing Services of North East – Bronze
Cumulus Media/Class 100/The Vibe – Bronze
Downtown North East Inc. – Bronze
Knox Law – Bronze
North East Fruit Growers – Bronze
Northwest Bank – Bronze
Ray Wakley’s Car Care & RV Center – Bronze
Tia Book Cellar – Bronze
Trolley Line Vineyards – Bronze
West Main Sales & Service – Bronze
Bemiss Agency – Uncorking
Electric Materials – Uncorking
Gorzynski, Uglow & Farrell PC – Uncorking
Hometown Veterinary Hospital – Uncorking
Bob Martin State Farm – Uncorking
Wavepoint – Uncorking
North East Dental Arts – Friends
Rossbacher Insurance – Friends
ECGRA – Arts & Culture Grant