Fiore hosts annual wine, jazz festival

Wine, art and jazz will come together for Fiore Winery's annual festival this weekend.

The Wine, Art and Jazz Festival will be held at the Winery, at 3026 Whiteford Road in Pylesville, rain or shine, from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21.

Tickets are $17 at the gate and include live entertainment, access to a variety of vendors and children's activities.

The highlight, for children at least, is the "stomping of the grapes," according to Sales and Marketing Manager Michael Cullison.

"At first they seem a little hesitant when they first get their feet in the grapes," Cullison wrote in an e-mail, "but once the music starts, and with a little encouragement from the audience, they have fun getting messy."

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Fiore Winery, Cullison added, and the 22nd annual festival. In the past, 1,000 to 1,200 people have visited the festival, he wrote, including many who have moved out of the area but still uphold the tradition.

"Even some who have moved away from the area and make the trek back each year to visit with us," he wrote.

The festival features entertainment from The Alex Norris Quintet and The Greg Hatza Organ-ization on Saturday and the Rumba Club and The Carl Filipiak Group on Sunday.

"Some of the area's best jazz bands perform each year," Cullison wrote, also adding that it's a "great atmosphere" for people relaxing with friends and drinking wine.

In addition to the jazz music, arts and craft vendors will have items available for purchase including, according to Cullison, quilts, jewelry and paintings among other hand-made items.

As it is at a winery, the festival will also have winery and distillery tours running throughout the day with winemaker Mike Fiore, according to a press release.

These tours, Cullison wrote, will give visitors "an in-depth look at the process of how the products are made and why they are internationally recognized with numerous medals."

There will also be food available for purchase, including pit beef, ham and turkey.

Pets and outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

For more information, go to http://www.fiorewinery.com or call 410-879-4007.