Category: Blog

It’s almost time for the Michiana Wine Festival. Are you ready? Use the 2024 map to plan your route through the park. 

Visit 19 wineries and non-alcoholic Indiana Tea! 
@madhornmeadery
@beachhousebevs
@beegoodmead
@hooker_corner_winery
@kekiongacraftcompany
@fruitshinewine
@ashandelmcider
@ertel_cellars_winery
@winzerwaldwine
@whytehorsewinery
@buck_creek_winery
@runningvineswine
@holtkampwinery
@harmonywinery
@byler.lane
@satekwinery
@culturedurbanwinery
@Sipandsharewines
@easleywinery

As spring blossoms in Fort Wayne, so does the anticipation for the 2024 Michiana Wine Festival, a celebration that swirls together community, fun, and the finest wines Indiana has to offer. Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew of volunteers is essential to uncorking the festival’s success. This year, we’re calling on more than 60 people to to lend a hand and volunteer at the Michiana Wine Festival  – we promise it’s one pour decision you won’t regret!

Volunteers are the backbone of the festival, ensuring every attendee’s experience is smooth and enjoyable. From guiding guests through the gates and checking IDs to make sure everyone is legal age to partake, to managing the flow of wine purchases in the VIP tent and helping serve Very VIPs in the outdoor lounge, volunteers are really the people who make the magic happen. Whether you’re a fan of the frontline action, like ticket scanning and ID checking, or prefer to support behind the scenes in the wine pickup tent or merchandise booths, there’s a role that fits your taste.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time; it’s about the rewarding experiences you gain, too. Not only do volunteers receive a FREE ticket to the festival, allowing them to explore the event after their shift, but they also have the chance to meet new friends, learn about the Indiana wine scene, and contribute to creating an unforgettable event.

Are you ready to blend fun, friendship, and philanthropy? The 2024 Michiana Wine Festival is calling for volunteers to help make this year’s event a vintage year. This is your chance to be part of Fort Wayne’s first toast of the season at Headwaters Park.

For those interested in volunteering, sign up now to make new friends, enjoy great wine, and help make the Michiana Wine Festival an event to remember. 

Are you ready to embark on a spirited journey in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne? The 2024 Michiana Wine Festival promises to be the ultimate event for wine lovers and festival-goers alike. As we eagerly anticipate the FIRST festival of the season at Headwaters Park on Saturday, April 27, we have compiled the top five reasons to mark your calendars and get your tickets for the 8th Annual Festival:

1. The Best of Indiana Wines: Dive into a world of flavors with up to 20 Indiana wineries offering an array of wines for samples. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or new to the vine, the 2024 Michiana Wine Festival presents a perfect opportunity to sample nearly 100 wines from across the Hoosier state, ensuring an enriching experience for your palate. From Satek Winery in Northeast Indiana to Holtkamp Winery in Sunman near the border with Cincinnati, to festival favorite Easley Winery, you won’t want to miss the 2024 festival. Buy wine by the glass (or slushee) or by the bottle to enjoy in the park. Don’t forget to buy bottles to take home, too!
2. The Perfect Spring Setting: Held in the picturesque downtown Fort Wayne, the festival is the first outdoor event of the season at Headwaters Park, offering a beautiful backdrop for your wine exploration. This outdoor setting, combined with the allure of spring, provides the perfect ambiance to enjoy the festival’s offerings with friends and family. Bring your chairs and find a spot to enjoy in the park. Additionally, bring your pop-up tents and set them up, as long as you set them up outside of the main festival area. 
3. The Free Wine Glass: One of the festival’s favorites is the complimentary souvenir wine glass given to the first 2,000 attendees. This keepsake not only enhances your tasting experience at the festival but also serves as your avenue to your wine samples throughout the day. After the festival, the glass will become a cherished memento of your day spent among friends. In our eighth year, frequent festival goers will have another glass to add to their collection.
4. The Delicious Food Galore: Is it even a wine festival without food? Complement your wine samples with delectable offerings from a diverse lineup of local food trucks. Certainly, you’ll want to try treats from food trucks like Twisted Smoke’s savory BBQ and Taste of Caribbean and Beyond’s authentic fare to pizza from Another One Bites The Crust. The festival’s food scene promises to satisfy all your culinary cravings​​. 
5. The Unique Shopping Finds: Between tastings, be sure to explore the spring craft market featuring a variety of unique vendors selling handmade and other items. Additionally, the festival offers more than just wine. It’s also a great chance to discover and take home something special from the diverse array of vendors onsite. A full list of vendors will be posted here after April 1!

There are SO many more reasons to attend – for instance, the live, local music you can enjoy while you sip and savor, or even VIP options with early entry and a special VIP gift. 

General admission tickets are only $30 in advance (or $35 on the day), and every ticket includes a free souvenir wine glass, wine samples, access to the vendor market, live music, and food trucks. Designated Driver tickets come in at $10 in advance and $15 on the day, offering FREE non-alcoholic beverage options alongside the other festival benefits. For an elevated experience, VIP tickets provide early admission and exclusive perks.

For more details or to get your tickets to this must-attend event, click here.