Wine: Good to the last drop

“It was a huge success, and we had very positive responses,” said Jane Pessagno, director of Rockfield Manor, which organizes the festival. “We are really excited about this year.”

The festival has been expanded to two days, and will host more than 20 wineries from all over the world, along with food vendors, crafters, artisans and live entertainment. A seminar on wine tasting, called “101 Wine Seminar,” will be hosted by wine expert Fran “Pineapple” Schmitz from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Schmitz will introduce novices to wine tasting techniques and offer advice to the more experienced wine connoisseurs.

All proceeds from the event go to the Rockfield Foundation, a non-profit that promotes and operates Rockfield Manor.

Cover band Nothin? ta Plunder and piano-driven rock band Kustom Blend will perform Saturday, and smooth jazz group Defractions on Sunday. “We?re keeping Saturday more of a rock-and-roll type music day, and Sunday, we thought it would be fun to have some jazz, for people to relax to,” Pessagno said.

Harford County-based Fiore Winery will bring several wines from thier La Felicetta vineyard. “Although we have about 17 wines, we will be pouring only six. We figured there would be so much variety with other vendors, so we just picked our favorites,” said co-owner Rose Fiore.

One of those wines is Blush of Bel Air, and Blueberry, which won the Gold Medal at last year?s Maryland Governor?s Cup Competition.

“We also are bringing our Zinnavo, which is a blend of zinfandel and Maryland cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon, and our L?ombra, which is a blend of a couple different grapes and leans more toward sweet,” Fiore said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: 2nd Annual Harford County International Wine Festival

WHERE: Rockfield Manor, 501 Churchville Road, Bel Air

WHEN: Noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8; Noon to 5 p.m. , Sunday, Sept. 9

TICKETS: $20 to $25

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