Geneva, Illinois: Annual Festival of the Vine

Out into the far reaches of the western suburbs of Chicago rests the city of Geneva which is home to some good shopping, restaurants and festivals. Every season of the year seems to usher in family fun festivals whether it is the summertime Swedish Days event or the holiday season Christmas Walk. The fall season is no exception, as every second weekend in September; Geneva hosts its annual Festival of the Vine event.

Wine and More Wine

The grape harvest is appropriately paid tribute as the Festival hosts a large outdoor tent where several wines of all regions will be available for tasting. The wine tasting tent will be located downtown Geneva at State and Fourth Street. Wine tasters will simply need to purchase tickets and have valid identification to enjoy tasting the seasonal libations.

The wine tasting and purchasing goes beyond the State street tent location. Several downtown wine vendors will be offering up tastings as well as bottle and case wine specials for the connoisseur of fine wines. The local chocolatier, Graham's will be offering up Wine pairings with select chocolates on Friday and Saturday evenings. These features will require advanced purchase of tickets at Graham's.

Food

This event could also be referred to as the "taste of Geneva' because of the large amount of participating local restaurants selling their specialties. The food offerings are what draw my participation every year with delicious cuisine offered up from the influences of Italy, Mexico, China, and America. Several vendors will sell sample size food portions which works well when wanting to try out several different items from area merchants. Consider buying enough tickets to include beverages as well as a satisfying dessert.

Live Entertainment

The music kicks off center stage on Friday night right in front of the Courthouse lawn and continues throughout the weekend with live performances also being held at Fourth and State by the Wine and Food tents. The Festival of the Vine and Swedish days have a successful history of bringing in some quality entertainment covering all genres.

Shopping

The festival is a great opportunity to do some browsing among the several quaint Geneva shops. After shopping some great deals on wine, take time to visit the other local retailers offering up everything from antiques to children's educational toys. The retailers will be happy to answer your questions.

Kids

The courthouse lawn will feature several activities held for children from Friday through Sunday. Kids can take part in sponsored arts and crafts projects such as face painting, gourd crafts, and a fall themed treasure hunt.

Demonstrations

The festival of the vine is also a good educational venue to brush up on your wine tasting skills. Not a wine aficionado? Then attend several seminars in downtown Geneva such as floral arrangement, cooking tips and demonstrations, and interior design tips.

So there is a little something for everybody at the Annual Festival of the Vine held in Geneva, The cost is relatively cheap as you will most likely pay for some food samples and perhaps a glass or two of wine which will require ticket purchase at the ticket booths located right next to the tents. Plan to cap the evening off dancing to the music under the stars.