Settlers Hospitality to Host Wally Wine Fest

One of the most anticipated rites of spring in the Pocono Mountains returns to Lake Wallenpaupack, April 8-10. Wally Wine Fest spotlights a multitude of domestic and international brands from wine regions around the world. Festivities kick off on Friday, April 8 as The Settlers Inn hosts a Tuscan Dinner featuring Banfi Wines. On Saturday and Sunday, Silver Birches overflows with wine tastings, food pairings, seminars and a marketplace.

Purchase tickets for one of three seated wine tastings on Saturday and Sunday. During the two-hour sessions, attendees will be seated at communal tables to enjoy four small plate tasting courses accompanied by three wine samples per tasting. Ticket holders will select their top three sampling choices from eight different wines for each course. Settlers Hospitality Sommelier, Claude Briere personally chose the featured wines, which include domestic and international labels. Tastings are scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. each day.

A Bubbly Brunch at The Settlers Inn on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. adds a bit of sparkle to the festival. Visitors may savor a prix fixe brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Wine seminars all weekend let attendees delve into pours from across the globe. The schedule includes sessions such as Explore High Altitude Wines with Argentina’s Capeta Zapata, Debate the King of Italian Reds: Brunello vs Super Tuscans and Australia vs California Challenge. Seminars are scheduled for Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. as well as Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sessions range from $35- $50 per person.

“We pour our hearts and souls into Wally Wine Fest each year to make it dynamic and engaging for visitors,” states Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “It’s gratifying to see the way people have embraced the event and anticipate its arrival every spring. We are thrilled to present such high caliber wineries and make these fabulous vintages accessible to both the novice wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.”

Bottles of every wine featured will be available for sale. Prices range from $10-$100. Fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers overflow at The Marketplace. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Art on the Edge, which features home/wine décor. The Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s fireworks display and features overnight stays at area accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well as boat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs. Live entertainment rounds out the weekend-long festivities.

Everyone who attends the festival at Silver Birches receives a commemorative wine glass. General admission is $60 in advance and $75 at the door. Designated drivers may attend for $30. A $200 platinum ticket includes the Tuscan Dinner featuring Banfi Wines at The Settlers Inn on April 8. For $125, guests may attend the Tuscan Dinner only. Visit wallywinefest.com to purchase tickets. Visitors may opt to stay over and take advantage of a $199 Sunday Night Lodging Special offered at the Hawley properties of Settlers Hospitality.

Special thanks to Champagne Level event sponsors Silver Birches Resort, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, E. & J. Gallo Winery and Bold Gold Media Group, as well as Cabernet Level sponsors, AM Skier Insurance. Organizers also acknowledge the participation of Rose Level sponsorsThe Dime Bank, Wayne Bank, Chant Realtors and Lighthouse Harbor Marina. Settlers Hospitality would also like to thank local sponsors Moka Origins, Lake Region IGA and Adams Outdoor.