It’s no secret that downtown Waynesboro’s “Destination ARTS!” initiative provides people with an opportunity to experience the arts in a variety of ways, both visual (paintings, photography, sculptures, etc.) and performing (live music, theater, dancing, etc.). But, on one Saturday last September, a group of volunteers arranged for “bottled art” to be brought to town, and after the new idea proved to be successful, they’ve decided to do it again.
The second annual “Waynesboro Wine Walk” is scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, September 12. As part of the event, four independent winemakers will be bringing more than 20 different types of wine to the art galleries located in the downtown district. Locally produced flavors such as “Nectarine,” “Mountain Blend” and “Dandelion” will be available to sample between the hours of 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. There will be no charge to taste the wine, but participants must be at least 21 years old.
“We were very impressed with the turnout and response that our inaugural event received last year,” said Deb Hollen, chairperson of the Waynesboro Wine Walk. “It truly serves as a celebration of the high level of talent that exists in this community, from the artists who have beautiful work hanging on the walls of the galleries to the musicians making music on the sidewalks to the winemakers who are thrilled to have an opportunity to share their products with the public.”
This year’s line-up of winemakers includes first-time participants Michael Scott and James “Z” Zrimsek, as well as returning favorites Warren Frusher and Jason and Bonnie Kauffman. The Kauffmans, who have been making their “Der Volks Wein” (“People’s Wine” in German) for family and friends since receiving a wine-making kit as a Christmas present in 2011, plan to bring nine different flavors to this year’s event.
“Last year, people complimented our wines and told us it was among the best they’ve ever tasted,” said Jason. “That really makes all of the hard work worth it.”
In addition to the independents, Adams County Winery will have a representative inside of Gallery 50, located at 50 West Main Street, while the “Wine Walk” is being held. Bottles of their product, including the popular “Tears of Gettysburg” and “Rebel Red,” will be for sale.
Several musicians are scheduled to perform throughout the course of the event, entertaining people as they pass by and travel in and out of the galleries.
The bluegrass sounds of The Lowdown Grasskickers will entertain audiences on Center Square while the duo known as G@G (Gillian Hollen and Garrett Smith) will play music inside of The Ceramic Arts Center of Waynesboro. Tim Gotwald (flute) and Dan Dropkin (guitar) can be heard at Gallery 50, and Patric Schlee will be set up at 42 West ARTS Co-Op.
For more information about this event, send an e-mail to artsalliancegw@gmail.com or visit the official website of the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro (www.artsalliancegw.org).