The Wild Wild Wine Fest - Split Rock Resort - Lake Harmony

Every summer there comes that weekend. That delicious, sort of nutritious, hot mama of a weekend. Split Rock calls it The Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine & Food Festival. I simply call it: The Wine Fest.

You see I’ve been to quite a few of these things over the years. On the beach. At amusement parks. The back yard… But Split Rock honestly takes the cake! This year the weather made for a fabulous day whether you picked Saturday or Sunday. If you happen to be a little bit extreme when it comes to fun with wine and food, then like me you just go both days.

Saturday as expected was packed, but surprisingly easy to get your wine sips from very, very generous vendors who didn’t limit your selection. Beyond the Festival Dinner and seminar options, there was also a lot of tempting free food! Plenty of samples were laid out for taste testing and I took advantage of everything. Bread and veggie dips, sweet mousses, BBQ and hot sauces, roasted nuts, salsas (my personal favorite), and even an iGourmet “around-the-world” cheese tour for more sophisticated palates. When it came to actually buying a meal, it was a tough call between the enormous pig roast BBQ and cajun shrimp/scallop kabobs. Instead I opted for simplicity. Homemade pierogies, hot wings and Aww-Shucks southern-style, spicy corn on the cob, mmm mm! It was totally worth the workout punishment I now have coming.

Of course, the wine was even more tempting! But what more should I say about that, honestly? Let’s just stick to some facts. Over 35 wineries from this gorgeous state of Pennsylvania. The selection will make a romping carnival of your taste buds, trust me. From dry to sweet and white to red, yellows and blues… grape to mango, chocolate, tea, hot pepper, and other tongue-snapping flavors, you practically hear them shout “Try me! Try me!” Or maybe that’s the group beside you at the wine bar, so just watch for the ones partaking a little too much.

I chose to enjoy the wine on Saturday and go with a designated driver ticket on Sunday. Both days were a treasure, with plenty to keep the non-drinkers and families occupied. Especially with a very nice wallet or friend. The vending booths suck you in like black holes of “that’s sooo cute…hey look at this…wow what the?!” Needless to say I spent Saturday drinking wine and taunting my taste buds, but I came Sunday to spend money. And without the deep Saturday crowds, my wine-tasting friends got to belly-up quick while I shopped away.

There were hats, t-shirts, toe rings and funky trinkets left and right. Custom barrel-bars, home décor and handmade crafts you have to have. Clothes like dresses and skirts and tank tops and—did I mention clothes?! Flowered headband streamers. Hair weavers. Face painting. Hoopers, wine holders, bottled beauties and other unique accessories for you and your life. More jewelry than I certainly need but shook my wow stick at all the same.

The music… ahh, the music. With three stages and five talented bands belting out reggae, funk, blues, country and summer’s current hits, everyone feels the beat. I have to admit this is the first year I didn’t let myself get lost in that land of the lost I call dancing. It was nice to sit back and socialize more; to people watch and yes, occasionally break out a move. Be prepared to let it all hang out. The musicians were festive, entertaining and how should I put this? Tolerant. Actually more than tolerant, they rocked the party! Singing up a storm, playing to the crowds and getting everyone on their feet (or sometimes off), laughing, hugging, bonding somehow in this hot mess of a fest. Known for breaking out the washboards, handing off the mic, starting conga lines and—you name it you might see it if you hang out near the dance-offs.

After all was said and done, and done again, The Wine Fest weekend just doesn’t quit. Technically it doesn’t have to be over until you say it’s over. Although the event goes from 10-6 both days, there are plenty of tasty restaurants and some great local entertainment handy for before and after. If lakefront dining, sandy walks on the beach and friends jamming away at the Sand Bar sounds like a good way to wrap it up, I guess we’ll see you next year!

Do yourself a favor, book a place nearby and forget about driving. Split Rock offers shuttles to Resort guests and parking areas but there is a playground of other fun options. If you want a unique vacation experience, check out www.poconovacationsonline.com. With one of these sweet Pocono vacation rentals you can take a Wild Fest home to the private bar, pool game, hot tub or lakefront experience of your dreams. Again…just trust me.