Blessing of the Vines in Grapevine

Tennyson said that in the spring, a “young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” But as for me, like many Texans shaking off the last kinks of what seemed an unusually long and chilly winter, my thoughts are turning to all the spring festivals coming up, including Grapevine’s 23rd Annual Blessing of the Vines & New Vintage Wine and Gallery Trail. Presented by Park Place Dealerships on April 11, this celebration ushers in new release wines, beautiful works of art, and good times with friends.

The day starts at Grapevine’s Delaney Vineyards at the Blessing of the Vines. Dignitaries and guests will stroll with a mariachi band through the beautiful Delaney Vineyards and experience a centuries-old European blessing performed by a priest. The priest will bless the 2015 vines, ensuring a bountiful harvest. After the blessing, enjoy live entertainment as well as a complimentary wine tasting. The Blessing of the Vines is free for all ages and begins at 10 a.m. at Delaney Vineyards, 2000 Champagne Blvd. in Grapevine.

After the Blessing of the Vines, the celebration continues on the New Vintage Wine and Gallery Trail. Taste a variety of wines at Grapevine’s winery tasting rooms and enjoy beautiful works of art throughout the city. Participating locations include Cross Timbers Winery, 805 N. Main St.; Delaney Vineyards, 2000 Champagne Blvd.; Grape Vine Springs Winery, 409 S. Main St.; Homestead Winery, 211 E. Worth St.; Messina Hof Grapevine Winery, One Liberty Park Plaza; Sloan & Williams Winery, 112 E. Texas St.; Su Vino Winery, 120 S. Main St., and Umbra Winery, 415 S. Main St.

As you stroll along Main Street in Historic Downtown Grapevine, see beautiful works of art at Grapevine’s Palace Arts Center, the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Headquarters, and at galleries and fine art working studios throughout the city.

We encourage you to register for the Designated Driver Program. Those who register receive complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages at each winery visited on April 11. In addition, those who register will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket overflowing with fabulous gifts from Grapevine merchants valued at more than $500. Drivers may register at any winery on April 11. The drawing will take place on Monday, April 13, and the winner will be notified by email or phone.

Tickets for the New Vintage Wine and Gallery Trail are $55 per person and include three wine tastings at each of Grapevine’s winery tasting rooms, food offerings, live entertainment, and a commemorative wine glass. The New Vintage Wine and Gallery Trail begins at Delaney Vineyards and runs from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Complimentary shuttles run continuously during event hours. Participants must be at least 21 years of age.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the New Vintage Wine and Gallery Trail, please call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 817-410-3185 or visit www.grapevinetexasusa.com/new-vintage.