More than 100 wines, craft beers and spirits will flow through Ballantyne’s Backyard this Saturday as the Wine & Food Festival sets up shop in south Charlotte for one day only, running from noon to 5 p.m. Local pop-ups, restaurants and food trucks will be dishing out bites alongside live music.
The event, produced by Drink. Eat. Relax., is billed as bringing together Charlotte chefs, artisanal craftsmen and culinary pioneers alongside thousands of local foodies, according to WBTV. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, and organizers list Ballantyne’s Backyard as the venue, according to goballantyne.com. Attendees can sample more than 100 international and local wines, craft beers and craft spirits, the same listing notes, while culinary offerings will come from local pop-ups, restaurants and food trucks.
Guests will also find live entertainment built into the day.
Ticket Tiers and What Each One Buys
Three ticket levels are on offer. General admission runs $45 plus fees and is valid from 1 to 5 p.m., according to the station's report, and includes a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited samples of all beverages and access to all live entertainment.
VIP admission costs $75 plus fees and opens an hour earlier, running from noon to 5 p.m. Per the same account, VIP tickets add an extra hour of sampling, a bottle of wine, a wine bag, access to VIP areas and all live entertainment on top of the standard perks. Entry-only tickets, meanwhile, will be sold onsite for $25 on the day of the event, the article notes, for guests who want in the gates without the tasting extras.
Food and Drink Offerings
Culinary offerings will come from local pop-ups, restaurants and food trucks.
Rules, Rain Plans and a Charitable Cause
The event is set to go on rain or shine, according to the event FAQ. Guests who leave during the day can come back in as long as they get their hand stamped at the exit, the FAQ states, and organizers note that alcohol pouring stops 15 minutes before the event ends.
Valid identification is required to enter, and guests who buy tasting tickets will have their IDs checked to confirm they are of legal drinking age, per the FAQ. No pets are allowed, though service dogs registered in advance may attend with proper documentation presented onsite upon arrival. Outside alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited, and intoxicated or unruly guests will be removed without a refund, the FAQ says.
A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Spirit of Hope Children’s Foundation, according to the FAQ. Organizers describe the festival as a chance for thousands of Charlotte foodies to mingle with the city’s chefs and culinary pioneers over a shared afternoon of wine, beer and spirits sampling.
