Highlandtown prepares to raise a glass to a very good year

by Mary Helen Sprecher
newsroom@baltimoreguide.com

It’s really all about the vino, hon.

Not that that stops non-drinkers from enjoying the Highlandtown Wine Festival. This weekend, the fest returns, and with it, all those traditions so unique to HiTown. There’s the judging of home-made wines, the ability to taste other wines, the petting zoo, the bocce tourney and the ability to mix, mingle and socialize at one of the first outdoor community events of the spring.

All that, plus the time-honored remark from Fr. Luigi Esposito, who tastes each year’s offerings and states, “Good, but not as good as last year.”

Honestly, hon, Formstone would crumble if that remark weren’t made.

About two dozen home-made wines have been entered in this year’s competition, and will be judged in red and white categories.

The Wine Festival itself takes place on Sunday from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. at Our Lady of Pompei Convent Garden. An indoor bocce tournament takes place on both Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. each day. (Spectators are welcome, hecklers can open their mouths at their own peril).

Wine Festival chairman Dan Schiavone notes, “This year, we’re pumping up the music.” The Swingin’ Swamis will perform live throughout the day. In addition, Schiavone Fine Art Gallery will offer a special show by Cornell Rubino throughout the day.

Tickets to the event are $20 per adult and include a souvenir wine glass and five wine tastings. Food will be available from local merchant DiPasquale’s.

Info on all events: Daniel Schiavone 410-534-2212 or vino@highlandtown.com.