It's official. Kirkland will again host its summertime festival of wine, food and art that traditionally draws in excess of 45,000 attendees. There are two changes to be noted, however. The city has taken over the sponsorship from the Kirkland Arts Center. As such, the event formerly known as Summerfest is heretofore known as Kirkland Uncorked.
Once again, the festivities will converge on the lush lawns of Marina Park in mid-July
This year the event has been expanded and is positioned to be one of Puget Sound's premier wine, art and food festivals.
■ For wine lovers, Kirkland Uncorked will include a wine garden sponsored by the Washington State Wine Commission, featuring tasting opportunities from more than 30 of Washington's finest wineries. Wine education classes will help attendees deepen their understanding and enjoyment of a variety of wines with tips on discerning appearance, bouquet, taste and aftertaste. A wine shop will also be set up on location featuring wines for purchase at special festival prices.
■ For art lovers, an art gallery will display an eclectic collection of works of some of the area's most talented artists for viewing and purchase. Artists in action will also be creating original art inspired by the event and waterfront in oil, watercolor, clay and fabric. Attendees can interact with the artists while viewing art in the making. Art completed during the weekend will be auctioned off as part of a fresh art auction on Sunday afternoon.
■ If food is your passion, chefs and restaurants from across the Puget Sound area will offer food samplings, cooking and grilling demonstrations, a grilling competition and classes on food and wine pairing so attendees can learn how to pair wine and food heightening their enjoyment of both.
Live entertainment will take place on multiple stages and lifestyle vignettes around in indoor and outdoor home design will take place throughout the day. A children's area, open to children of all ages, will include cider and juice tasting, zucchini and summer squash art, car decorating and racing, and more.
For more details, visit www.kirklanduncorked.com. The Web site includes information on advance ticket purchase locations, guest appearances, wine information, the festival program, sponsorship opportunities and valuable visitors' information. The official program for the event will be published in the June edition of Seattle Homes & Lifestyles and will also be available at various locations throughout the Puget Sound area.
THE DETAILS
Kirkland Uncorked will take place at Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza, on:
Friday, July 13, 5-11 p.m. (wine garden only)
Saturday, July 14, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, July 15, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The festival is free and open to the public. Wine garden admission, restricted to visitors over 21 with a valid ID, is $20 in advance or $25 at the entrance. Includes a souvenir tasting glass and tickets for five wine tastings and/or food samplings.[[In-content Ad]]
