Annual Winnipesaukee Wine Festival Returns to Church Landing for 6th Year

The Lakes Region is gearing up for one of the biggest parties of the season, with two fun nights of fabulous food, wine, and music on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee that will showcase wines from around the world while raising funds for two local non-profit organizations.

The Sixth Annual Winnipesaukee Wine Festival will take place on Thursday, June 23^rd from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the Winnipesaukee Ballroom at Church Landing, where more than 100 domestic and international wines provided by over 20 vintners will be ready for sampling along with delicious hors d’oeuvres and appetizers.  These wonderful dishes will be prepared by several local eateries, including Lakehouse Grille, The Corner House Inn, The Coe House, Owen’s Farm Stand, Lago, and Camp.

The evening will also feature spirits and beer from local distilleries and breweries.  Peak Organic Brewing Company will be in the house, as well as Cisco Brewery of Nantucket, highlighting their Whale’s Tale Ale and Triple 8 martinis.  The freshly-mixed martinis will be served down an ice sculpture luge created by Jeff Day of Not So Plain Jane’s in Rumney and The Route 104 Diner in New Hampton.

Music for the event, which is hosted by The Common Man Family of Restaurants and The Martignetti Companies of New Hampshire, will be provided by the talented local jazz duo of Don Williams and David Tonkin, who play frequently throughout New Hampshire in various jazz ensembles and bands, and are also faculty members of the Concord Community Music School.

The Winnipesaukee Wine Fest 2010

Wine festival tickets are $50 per person, and all proceeds will benefit CHMM Community Caregivers and White Mountain Foster & Rescue.  Guests will enjoy the traditional raffle and live auction, and this year there are some great prizes up for grabs, including a seaside getaway in Nantucket, an overnight stay at Church Landing, and a getaway to an Adirondack-style cabin in Plymouth.  “It’s right next to our Italian Farmhouse,” says Diane Downing of the Common Man Family, who is organizing the festival.  “I did the décor on it…it is completely furnished in Adirondack style with a hot tub on the deck!”

The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls are helping out too, by extending a special rate just for the occasion.  With proof of your ticket purchase for the festival, a room at the Inn at Mill Falls is discounted from $169 to just $99.  You can wine and dine all night long and not worry about driving home!

The night before, on Wednesday, June 22^nd, a pre-Wine Festival Beach Party will be held at the Common Man’s Town Docks outdoor tiki bar, with some featured wines, tapas-style dishes, and live music performed by recording artist Robbie LaBlanc accompanied by Sal Rametta, Tom Teegan, and Mark Descoteaux.  Robbie has played with many Rock & Roll bands, including Toto and The Rascals, and now plays alongside his brother in a couple of local groups, as well as this annual gathering of talent.  “They are amazing,” says Diane, “They just pull together for this event, but all are amazing musicians in their own right.”  Admission to this event is free and a portion of the proceeds will also benefit the two organizations.

Join the fun while helping a good cause at the Sixth Annual Winnipesaukee Wine Festival!  For more information, visit thecman.com, or call 603-968-9330 to order tickets.  Space is limited and advanced tickets and reservations are strongly suggested.  For the special room rate at the Inns, please call 800-622-6455 and mention the Winnipesaukee Wine Festival.  Hope to see you there!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: dicktay2000 at Flickr.com