The Farmville, Virginia Wine Festival will be back in town in a big way with more wineries, more food, crafts and works of art, music by Tray Eppes, and activities for children. Saturday, April 16 at Riverside Park is the date from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.

Just as last year, the Festival will be a benefit for SCOPE/Meals On Wheels, the local non-profit which serves meals to seniors and the homebound in the Farmville area. Since 2001, SCOPE/ MOW has delivered more than 195,000 meals, prepared by the Centra Southside Hospital Cafeteria.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm about this event in the community,” said Wine Festival Committee Chair Prentice Phelps. “From local sponsors like Charley's Waterfront Cafe to Jerry Spates and the Town of Farmville, folks have confidence that the festival will be a real plus for our area and Meals On Wheels.”

So far, 10 wineries have committed to attending and giving folks a chance to taste their wares. More are expected to sign up in the coming days. Virginia wineries coming to town on April 16 include Annefield (Saxe), Bright Meadows (Nathalie), First Colony (Charlottesville), Hilltop Berry Farm (Nellysford), Rebec Vineyard (Amherst), Rosemont (LaCrosse), Spring Creek (Pamplin City), Well Hung (Charlottesville), Fincastle Vineyard (Fincastle) and The Homeplace (Chatham). Annefield, Fincastle, Hilltop and The Homeplace are making their first appearance at the event.

Sponsors are needed to support the festival as well as food vendors, and arts and crafts vendors to be on site April 16. There is a $100 fee for sponsors and food providers, while craft folks will be charged $35. These funds will help to offset expenses and increase the benefit to SCOPE/Meals On Wheels.

Tickets for those 21 and over will be $15. Guests will receive a glass for tasting. Those under 21 will be admitted free and able to take part in all activities except the wine tasting. Tickets will be available for purchase prior to and at the event. Details about where to purchase tickets will be announced in March.

Call 434-392-8797 (SCOPE/Meals On Wheels) if you have a question.