Tasting vintages from state wineries may give the Berkeley Springs Wine and Food Festival its name, but this year ramps are the starring product both raw and prepared. The one-day taste bud stimulator event is scheduled for 10am to 4pm on Saturday, April 16 at the Ice House in downtown Berkeley Springs. The show offers a free opportunity for the public to sample and buy dozens of state-grown products as well as meet the faces behind these products.
Glascock’s Orchards plans on having bushels of aromatic West Virginia ramps on hand. Chef Scott from the Country Inn returns doing cooking/tasting demonstrations at 11, noon and 1pm so visitors can get a notion of what to do with those ramps. Chef Scott’s menu includes ramp pesto, pickled ramps with pork, ramp jam and a ramp surprise at the noon demo. There are also ramp dishes on the weekend menus at Lot 12 and Tari’s Café for folks who want more.
Five West Virginia wineries are making an appearance, each with a special spin on the ancient art of winemaking. Vintages for tasting range from true Italian concord to light white Riesling. “The winemakers all have a story to tell as you sample their wines,” said Laura Smith, administrator of Travel Berkeley Springs which produces the event. Smith considers the chance to taste and buy rare state wines as the major draw for regulars. “People buy their favorites by the case.”
Other food producers offer honey, confections, barbeque and a variety of dips and sauces.
Saturday’s festival also features a book signing that is the debut of a new book by Jeanne Mozier. The Story of Berkeley Castle – What’s True and What’s Not is filled with contemporary and historic photos as well as well-researched information about the most notable structure in the area. Also figuring in what might be called Uniquely Berkeley Springs is Jensuya’s two-hour Shimmy, Shake and Twist Belly Dance Workshop from noon to 2pm at the Ice House.
Saturday at 7pm, Highlawn Inn stages its annual dinner with winemaster Wilson Ward of Fishers Ridge. All weekend long entertainment is at the Star Theatre at 8pm with its world class popcorn for more tasting. The movie is Miracles From Heaven starring a uniquely West Virginia movie star, Jennifer Garner.
Shopping along the historic streets is always festival mode. Stop by Berkeley Springs Memories for all your branded West Virginia and Berkeley Springs wearable’s as well as a Sunday booksigning of the new Berkeley Castle book from 10am to 2pm. Jules Enchanting Gifts and Collectibles introduces the Irish Fairy Door Company and 10% off fairy items to go with the door. At the Ice House, see samples of the Yard Square Quilts in the gallery as well as the work of more than 30 area artists. On Sunday, the Farmers Market in the square from 10am to 2pm continues the opportunity for exceptional local produce.
The Ice House, site of the weekend’s events is located on Independence and Mercer just a block from the famed warm springs in the heart of town. Travel Berkeley Springs produces Uniquely West Virginia. Support for Uniquely West Virginia comes from the Division of Culture and History Fairs and Festivals program. For a free Celebration Guide with all the details on both festival vendors and related activities throughout the county call 800-447-8797 or check online at www.berkeleysprings.com.
