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Adirondack Wine & Food Festival By Roberto Cruz - Photos by Adirondack Winery
Many people consider Memorial Day the unofficial start of summer, but to me it’s the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival in Lake George, New York. In just a few short weeks – June 27th and 28th to be exact – more than 7,000 wine drinkers, craft beverage lovers and foodies will flock to one of New York’s most popular summer tourism destinations to attend the festival, which has quickly become one of the most anticipated summer events in the entire Northeast. With more than 120 wineries, breweries, cideries, distilleries, food trucks and artisan food vendors in attendance, admission to the festival is your ticket to a one-stop food and beverage tour of New York state. Walk through the gate, and you’re handed a glass which you can use to sample wine, beer and more from upstate New York’s most celebrated craft beverage producers – and then there’s the food! The wine festival is in its sixth year, with attendance growing and more vendors clamoring for a spot each time. The result is a who’s who lineup that will have you sampling new and unique wine and food offerings and the opportunity to bring plenty home. The festival is held at the Lake George Festival Commons, and outdoor event space with the gorgeous Lake as your backdrop. At the end of June, it’s warm but not too warm, and you’ll love that cool lake breeze as you search for your new favorite wine. The festival is also an economic engine for the Lake George region, responsible for $3.8 million in economic impact and 4,500 room nights generated at local hotels. There’s no shortage of exceptional lodging options within walking distance, as well as incredible accommodations in nearby Glens Falls at the famed Queensbury Hotel, which provides shuttle service to and from the festival.
While every ticket lets you sample wine and food at the festival, there are upgraded options including VIP tickets and 2-Day Weekend Warrior passes that give you early access to the festival and free gifts, including a reusable tote bag and a coupon booklet with more than $300 in savings inside. VIP and 2-Day passes also give you one-hour early access to the festival and the chance to skip the line. Plus, unlike other wine festivals, you aren’t limited to only four hours – you can spend up to eight inside if you upgrade to VIP. Wineries at the festival include the North Country’s best, like Adirondack Winery from right in Lake George. You’ll also find Swedish Hill, Penguin Bay, Three Brothers Winery, and more from New York’s Finger Lakes region – frequently voted among the top winemaking regions in the entire country!