University City Partners announces an expanded Greystar University City Wine Fest presented by Courtyard and Springhill Suites by Marriott Charlotte University Research Park. The third annual and only outdoor spring wine festival in the region, University City Wine Fest will take place around the lake and boardwalk at the Shoppes at University Place from Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 14. The signature event will take place on Saturday, April 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. New this year, attendees can also experience a taste, sip and stroll event, a multi-course dinner with wine pairings and a festival recovery brunch.
“We’ve seen an increase in interest and attendance for the University City Wine Fest each year and are thrilled to grow the festival from a one to four-day event,” says Darlene Heater, Executive Director of University City Partners. “The scenic boardwalk with easy access to LYNX makes for a perfect location to host the festival each year. I’m excited for our new partnerships with area restaurants to host a four-course dining experience, brunch and taste, sip and stroll event to create an unforgettable kick-off to spring.”
University City Wine Fest was designed to provide a cultural community experience in the heart of University City, attracting attendees from across the region. The festival will begin on Thursday with an evening around the water where attendees will sample food by University City’s favorite restaurants and enjoy wine, craft brews, live music and art by local artists.
Friday features a multi-course dinner prepared by Chef Eric Littaker of Suffolk Punch, paired with wonderful wines. Saturday, The Wine Vault, a local wine shop that has been in business for over 33 years at Shoppes at University Place, has selected more than 100 old and new wines from over 50 wineries while attendees stroll the boardwalk and enjoy live music, a beer garden and appetizers from area restaurants. The festival will end on Sunday with University City Wine Fest Recovery Brunch. Attendees are encouraged to use the LYNX light rail with access to the event from JW Clay Blvd station.
The festival schedule is as follows:
- University City Taste, Sip and Stroll – Thursday, April 11, 6 to 9 p.m. @ Shoppes at University Place
- University City Wine Fest Eve Dinner – Friday, April 12, 6 to 9 p.m., Prepared by Chef Eric Littaker of Suffolk Punch @ Shoppes at University Place
- University City Wine Fest – Saturday, April 13, 2 to 6 p.m. @ Shoppes at University Place
- University City Wine Fest Recovery Brunch – Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Featuring DJ Pink Diamond @ Famous Toastery
Organizers anticipate 1,500 attendees. Individual tickets and VIP tables are currently available for purchase. Additional information for each activity and tickets are available online at universitycitywinefest.org, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
The Wine Fest is presented by title sponsor Greystar, University City Partners and Courtyard by Marriott & Springhill Suites, with support by University Volvo and UNC Charlotte. See full list of sponsors here.