Linganore Wine Festival 2022
…Or how to make sure you have the best time without regretting all of your life choices the next day! 😊
Who doesn’t love a wine festival? Great weather (unless you live in the DMV and who knows what you’ll get: sun, rain, hurricane), the chance to try wines from a variety of vineyards and wineries that you haven’t been to, music and food. Let’s not forget the food. Our second favorite thing after wine. LOL
But navigating a wine festival can be tricky as not all festivals are the same. Some are very large and can seem overwhelming and others are very small, focusing on just a few local producers. We’ve put together a list of somethings to help you get the best out of your next wine festival visit.
DO’S
1. STAY HYDRAYTED! We can’t emphasize this one the most. While a real pro taster will spit after trying a wine so they can avoid getting wasted. But most festival goers won’t do that either because they don’t like spitting or just want to get drunk. Either way, you need to make sure you stay hydrated. No one wants to be pulled over for a DUI or worse because you didn’t do proper alcohol management.
2. WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES. Make sure you dress for the weather and the conditions of the festival. While that sundress and high heels may look adorable, having those heels sinking into the mud or twisting an ankle after you’ve had a few glasses is never a good look.
3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WINE CONCIERGE SERVICES. If you know you’re going to buy a lot of bottles consider using the wine concierge service if your festival has one. Basically you will order your wine from the participating vineyards and they will send it to the wine concierge tent that is located near the exit for you to pick up when you leave. This leaves you (mostly) hands free to continue enjoying the rest of the festival day. Just don’t forget to pick it up before you leave!
4. CONSIDER A DESIGNATED DRIVER. Sometimes festivals maybe close enough that a car ride service is a convenient option. But if not consider either being the DD or bringing along a DD. Maybe another friend could be the DD the next time so that you can drink. Or rely on a responsible under 21 family member to shepherd you to and from. Always better to be safe than sorry.
DON’T’S
1. KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING. There’s nothing worse than deciding to go to a wine festival and not realizing how long it will actually take you to get there and get back home after a long day of sun and drinking.
2. DON’T FORGET YOUR ID! There’s nothing more embarrassing than forgetting your purse or wallet. Even worse when it’s at a wine festival and they will not let you in. Security and staff are pretty much sticklers for making sure that you are of age and most will even check the IDs of more *ahem* seasoned guests. So it doesn’t matter if you just turned 21 that day or you’re coming up on 65. Bring that ID with you!
3. DON’T BE THAT PERSON. You know what we mean. Too drunk, yelling, screaming, crying, fighting with friends. It’s not cute and it may get you a visit from 5-0 with a nice pair of silver bracelets. It’s not worth it.
Cheers,
Tricia