The Festival of Wines is returning to the Charlottetown Eastlink Centre with two nights of Grand Tastings on Friday May 26th and Saturday May 27th. This year there are more than 260 wines featured at the Grand Tastings from around the world and eight food sample stations throughout the event with cheese samples by COWS CREAMERY, Glasgow Glen Farms and Oldfield’s Dairy; Ganong chocolates, Papa John’s Pizza, Shiny Sea oysters, Prince Edward Island Charcuterie and Lucky Fox Snack Co.

Friday’s Grand Tasting is presented by Red Shores Racetrack & Casino. Chef Andrew Smith has prepared four dishes that pair perfectly as you explore new and limited quantity wines at the event. Best of Sea is presenting the Saturday Grand Tasting and Chef Tyler Gallant with Gallant’s Shellfish & Seafood will be featuring shellfish dishes that pair perfectly with wine.

The Festival of Wines is offering a complimentary shuttle service that will stop at the Hotel on Pownal, Hunter’s Corner, Great George Hotel, Olde Dublin Pub and Peake’s Quay. Attendees are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and take the shuttle, book a hotel package at one of the official hotels or pick up a City Taxi coupon at the PEI Liquor booth during the event. Hotel packages are available at the Hotel on Pownal and Great George Hotel.

The Festival of Wines is pleased to present the Winemaker’s Dinners Series with a selection of five food and wine dinners that take place leading up to the Festival of Wines event.

The week kicks off with the Scheid Winemaker’s Dinner at Peake’s Quay on Wednesday May 24th. Thursday, May 25th, Claddagh Oyster House will have your taste buds dancing at the Oyster Bay Winemaker’s Dinner. Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar’s chef Kyle Panton has created a five course meal paired with Chateau Ste Michelle Wines. Also on Thursday May 25th, Open Eats in Summerside has prepared a Winemaker’s Dinner with Scheid Wines. Capping off the week of wining and dining is Wine & Dine ~ An Evening At Red Shores on Friday, May 26th. Fill up on the delicious buffet themed dinner at Top of the Park and then head over to the Friday Grand Tasting.

For added savings, all Winemaker’s Dinners can be purchased as a package that includes the dinner and a Festival of Wines Grand Tasting ticket. Menus and pricing available at www.peiwinefest.com/dinners. Reservations must be made by calling the restaurant directly.

Buy early and save! Advance tickets are on sale at the Eastlink Centre Box Office for just $42.00 plus tax and service charge until Sunday May 21st at 11:59pm. Regular price will go into effect as of Monday May 22nd at 12:00am and Grand Tasting tickets will increase to $48.00 plus tax and service fee. Tickets can be purchased online at www.peiwinefest.com, by phone 902-629-6625 or during regular box office hours at the Charlottetown Eastlink Centre.

The PEI Liquor on site wine boutique will open at the Eastlink Centre from 3:00pm – 10:30pm on Friday May 26th and Saturday May 27th. Exclusive wines will be available for purchase at the on-site boutique and great offers are in effect throughout the weekend. Festival tickets are not required to come in and shop. View the festival offers online at www.peiwinefest.com/wine-boutique.

“We are very excited for the upcoming 2017 Festival of Wines. In stores, each day, we are seeing that our customers are becoming increasingly knowledgeable and engaged, and are interested in exploring more about wine. The Festival allows attendees the hands-on opportunity to taste products and learn more about them from winery staff and agents prior to purchasing. The PEI Festival of Wines provides our customers with increased selection and variety beyond the 1000 or so general list and specialty wines that are already available in the store system. ” stated Jean- Sébastien Morin,Wine Category Manager for the PEI Liquor.

The list of wines featured at the 2017 event can be downloaded and viewed online at www.peiwinefest.com/list-of-wines.

Event sponsors include Red Shores Racetrack and Casino, Best of Sea, Leon’s Furniture PEI, Hot 105.5, Olde Dublin Pub, Hunter’s Corner.

The Prince Edward Island Liquor Control Commission reminds you to please drink responsibly. This is a 19+ event.