The annual Wool and Wine Festival returns to Hoover Ridge Saturday.
Started in 2017, the one-day event features sheepdog trials, wine tastings, live music and vendors. The sheepdog trials, which take place both Friday, Saturday and Sunday, have been occurring at Hoover Ridge since 2015 with the wine festival joining the event years later. Dozens of competitors from all over bring their dogs to the trials, herding sheep through the football field area of the park. The trials will begin at 8 a.m.
This year, the wine festival, held Saturday only, will take place 12-5 p.m. and showcase Prince Michel Vineyards and Blue Quartz Winery. Tastings will be available from each wine tent from 12-4:30 p.m., with pay by the glass and bottles also available for purchase. A limited beer selection will also be available.
The Two Brothers Southwest Grill food truck will be on-site for sales along with numerous vendors including Fehu Studio, Rebel Ridge Stoneworks, Busy B Crafts, Wolftown Wax and Wicks, Mad Cats, Rosi RedRed, Charlottesville Face Painting and the Perfect Blend Boutique. A.P. Project will provide live entertainment 1-4 p.m. A supervised children’s area will have Big Blue Blocks, mud kitchens, a sandbox, other activities and a bounce house.
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This year’s event will serve as a fundraiser for the Madison Hockey League. Last month, the league’s rink and storage shed suffered significant damage due to a wildfire. The loss of the shed was particularly devastating as it contained gear, rink equipment, tools, skates, uniforms and more estimated at more than $40,000. Since the fire, the league has focused on raising money for a new hockey rink which was already included in the Hoover Ridge Outdoor Recreation Center project plans. The rink portion of the project is expected to cost approximately $440,000.
The event will be held rain or shine. Pop-up, anchored tents are permitted as well as chairs, blankets and tables. No outside alcohol is permitted. Pets are not permitted. Guests wishing to taste or purchase wine must be over 21 and show a valid ID. These guests must have their wristband while in the festival area.
Tickets are $20 the day of the event. All guests are 18 are free with adult general admission tickets available for $5. General admission tickets do not allow tastings or the purchase of wine or beer. Ticket add-ons include candle making sessions, face painting and waterproof picnic blankets. Picnic tables are also available for reservation for $10. They fit up to six. Tickets can be purchased online at https://woolandwinefest2024.eventbrite.com.
For answers to questions, contact Lindsay Von Herbulis at lindsay.mcparksrec@gmail.com.