It finally feels like summer, and with that comes festivities celebrating the season. The 5th annual Adirondack Food and Wine Festival at the Charles Wood Festival Commons in Lake George is just the place to taste the flavors of summer.

Once again, the Festival is bringing together over 120 New York State distilleries, wineries, breweries, artisan crafts, New York made food vendors, food trucks, and more. Samples, cooking demonstrations, and a commemorative wine glass are just a few of the add-ons that make this a summer tradition.

One aspect of this festival I enjoy is the opportunity to mix and mingle with Chef William Cornelius. Hailing from the Finger Lakes, Cornelius’s tent will share recipes utilizing local produce. My family doesn’t need to walk away with a folder of new recipes, but just a few new additions that pull together the produce from my Comminity Supported Agriculture (CSA) share. Of course, it’s always nice to find out what winery or brewery pairings are also recommended and why. The Chef William Creations tent will also host other celebrity chefs as well as local mix masters willing to share some fun wine cocktails perfect for summer entertaining.

Tickets are available in advance of the June 29-30 dates by going directly to the website. There are even discounts available for savvy shoppers and a variety of ticket options such as one-day options, VIP, and designated driver. Children (15 and under) are admitted free with paying adult (21+).

Though my children are always occupied by the sheer quantity of samples, The Fun Spot is also offering a children’s tent with numerous activities.  As always the Festival designates a non-profit beneficiary and this year proceeds are headed to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks. So this event offers good food and drink for a good cause.