Raise a Glass: Wellen Park Wine Festival returns for second year of wine, cuisine and celebration

The Wellen Park Wine Festival returns for its second year on Friday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 15, showcasing nearly 40 vintners from distinguished winemakers alongside the culinary talents of Downtown Wellen restaurants. Presented by John Cannon Homes, the two-day festival features a collection of ticketed experiences, beginning with a five-course Silver Oak wine dinner Friday evening and continuing Saturday with an introductory wine class for those new to wine tasting, along with the promenade Grand Tasting along Wellen Park Boulevard.

“Last year’s inaugural Wellen Park Wine Festival was an incredible success, delivering a truly unique cultural experience for both residents and visitors alike,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “The festival offers guests the chance to explore a wide selection of exceptional wines, both from favorite labels and exciting new discoveries, as well as sample some of Wellen Park’s best culinary offerings.”

 

Friday, Nov. 14 – Gourmet Wine Dinner & Exclusive Preview

The festival kicks off Friday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Solis Hall, where ticket holders will enjoy a five-course wine dinner featuring exceptional pairings with wines from acclaimed vintner Silver Oak and their sister estate, Twomey. Tickets are $175.      

Founded in 1972 by two friends, Silver Oak began with a bold vision of focusing solely on cabernet sauvignon, aged exclusively in American oak. The vineyard produced only 1,000 cases of its inaugural vintage. The Napa Valley and Alexander Valley cabernets grew in popularity, becoming a sought-after staple on restaurant wine lists nationwide within two decades. Owned exclusively by the Duncan family since 2001, Silver Oak farms over 400 acres of vines with minimal impact on natural resources and the environment.

The Duncans founded Winery Twomey in 1999 as a new family venture to expand beyond cabernet sauvignon, using grape varieties from the most compelling cool-climate vineyards spanning the coast from central California’s Santa Maria Valley to western Mendocino’s Anderson Valley. The winery’s pinot noir, sauvignon blanc and rosé are reserved for members and fine restaurants around the world.

 

Saturday, Nov. 15 – Wine Class & Grand Tasting

Saturday’s schedule begins with an educational session in Solis Hall, followed by the festival’s signature Grand Tasting along Wellen Park Boulevard and the Great Lawn.

• Wine Tasting 101 Class: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Solis Hall

Perfect for those new to wine tasting, this introductory class covers wine varieties, tasting notes and more. Tickets are $25.

• Grand Tasting: 1-4 p.m., Downtown Wellen Park
  Nearly 40 distinguished vintners will be featured in a festive, open air tasting experience. Ticket options include:

• • VIP Admission: Early entry at 12:30 p.m., shaded lounge access, indoor air-conditioned comfort, private restroom access and all General Admission perks. Tickets are $135.
  • General Admission: Includes a souvenir tasting glass, swag bag, festival access and four food tickets for small bites from culinary partners Acqua Pazza Coastal Italian, The Banyan House, Oak & Stone and Villani & Co. Guests will also enjoy live jazz by The Hour on the Solis Hall stage. Tickets are $95.
  • Designated Driver Admission: Full access to Saturday’s festival, food tickets and swag, without alcohol. Tickets are $45.

 

The wine festival is open to guests ages 21 and older. For full details, pricing and to purchase tickets, visit wellenpark.com/wine.

The Rotary Club of Wellen Park is the festival’s official charity partner, with generous support from local businesses and the community’s leading homebuilders. Sponsors include John Cannon Homes as presenting sponsor; Taylor Morrison and ICI Homes as grand cru sponsors; Neal Signature Homes and Mattamy Homes as premier sponsors; HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency as the vineyard hospitality tent sponsor; and Homes by Towne, Michael Saunders & Company, M/I Homes and Pulte Homes as reserve sponsors.