USA Today adds Fork+Flask’s wine and food event to country’s top 50 festivals

"It's very nice to be recognized," says Josh Grapski, referring to last month's USA Today roundup of 50 Festivals in 50 States. But to fans of the renowned food and wine festival hosted by Fork+Flask at Nage Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, it comes as no surprise.

"It's a true community spirit event," says Grapski, managing partner of La Vida Hospitality Group, which oversees the popular coastal kitchen and bar. "Ever since we began the festival in 2009, more and more wine and food lovers are adding this celebration to their spring calendars. We're prepared for an even bigger crowd than last year, which included over 275 revelers."

This year's festival, presented by Echelon Custom Homes, Sunday, April 23, features over 50 distinctive wines which are curated by the restaurant's team of wine experts. Ten different wine regions from around the world will be showcased, along with specific culinary offerings created to highlight and complement each region.

"We hope our guests will try each one, perhaps discovering some new favorites for their palate," says Sean Corea, general manager and chef, noting that the entire kitchen team is involved in the menu planning and preparation of so many different international dishes. "We're pulling out all the stops for this event." She said the celebration will encompass both the newly renovated restaurant and an adjacent festival pavilion to accommodate the burgeoning size and popularity of the festival.

Wine regions for the festival include California, Oregon and Washington state, plus hand-picked selections from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia and South America. Each region has its own serving station dedicated to the wine and its food pairing, hosted by a wine aficionado to explain the nuances of each vintage.

New this year is a special VIP Hour from 4 to 5 p.m., allowing more time for guests to interact with visiting wine experts representing the 50 wines being served. Regular festival hours continue from 5 to 8 p.m. A silent auction and a special Wine Wall are also part of festivities, including live entertainment by local musicians Bruce Anthony and Keri Anthony.

Wine sponsors for this year's festival are Robert Mondavi Winery and Jackson Family Wines. Others include Sysco Foods, Acopia Home Loans and Faw Casson CPA.

In keeping with its tradition of supporting the local community, Grapski said this year's event will benefit Delaware's nonprofit Children and Families First. "We recognize the important work they do, so we think one of our most important events of the year should also offer support for them."

Voted Best Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Fork+Flask at Nage is located at 19730 Coastal HIghway, Route 1 South. 9th Annual Food and Wine Festival tickets and information are available at forkandflask.com.