2019 SoDel Fest to offer VIP champagne tasting Sept. 28

The 2019 Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival will offer an in-depth lecture and tasting focused on sparkling wines with a VIP champagne tasting from 11 a.m. to noon, an hour before the main festival Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Independence Clubhouse in Millsboro.

“We often think of sparkling wines as something to be reserved for special occasions,” said festival organizer Stacy LaMotta. “In truth, it is their delicate flavors that make them some of the most versatile wines for everyday enjoyment.”

Guests of the VIP champagne tasting will journey through France, Italy, Spain and the USA, led by Ray Kurz, sommelier and Wine Educators’ Certified Specialist of Wine.

“Champagne sparkles to life when it’s poured,” said Kurz, owner of Cuvee Ray Wine Bar and Restaurant, a winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. “The moment these sparklers enter the mouth is the high point of the tasting.”

Providing an educational and engaging experience, Kurz will discuss the intensity, completeness, sharpness, richness and perfection of varying types of sparkling wines, while sharing personal stories of his travels through the sparkling wine regions.

The event is limited to 45 attendees, so those interested in the VIP Champagne Tasting are encouraged to purchase tickets before the opportunity fizzles out. Tickets are $100 per person and include the champagne tasting, admission to the main festival and access to the VIP lounge with comfortable seating during the main festival. There are no stand-alone tickets to the tasting.

“For only $25 more than our general admission tickets, you’re adding a truly unique tasting to our already abundant festival,” said LaMotta.

The 2019 Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival will feature more than 20 top restaurants from around the area; over 50 wines, craft beers and spirits; amazing musicians; a silent auction; and the Battle of the Sexes, this year’s live chef throwdown.

For more information, to volunteer or to purchase, go to www.sodelfest.com.