The Ocoee Grape Escape is Saturday, Nov. 7
Final plans are under way for the third annual Ocoee Grape Escape, set to take place on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 1-6 p.m. Three wineries in the Ocoee region- Savannah Oaks Winery, Morris Vineyards and Ocoee Winery- are once again partnering for a coordinated wine trail experience. In addition to tasting award winning wines, event goers will have the opportunity sample local fare, listen to live music, tour vineyards and meet the winemakers- all while being surrounded by the display of fall color.
Agricultural producers such as Apple Valley Orchards, Appalachian Bee, Rafting Goat Cheese and Sweetwater Valley Farm, along with local caterer G’ Daddy’s BBQ, will participate in the event by offering samples of their food products. The Polk County Chamber of Commerce and First Volunteer Bank will provide hors d'oeuvres.
The Ocoee Grape Escape was created by the Polk County Chamber of Commerce as a means to promote and enhance agri-tourism and the local agricultural economy. “Southeast Tennessee has a flavor of its own and we want folks to experience that,” said Chamber Director and event coordinator, Adrian Lambert.
While each winery along the “Escape” boasts an "impressive" wine list, each offers a different experience as well so spend as little or as much time as participants want each venue.
Take in the views of the Appalachian Mountains at Morris Vineyards in Charleston while listening to performances by Skelton Key. Guests can also stroll through row after row of grape and muscadine vines on a self-guided vineyard tour.
Sip wine and relax on the front porch of Savannah Oaks Winery, in Delano, while looking out over the Cherokee National Forest and listening to the musical talents of local favorite Tim Poteet.
Enjoy mountain views and BBQ on the deck at Ocoee Winery in Cleveland, where “FROdaddy” Jeff Rentfro will be taking requests and keeping toes tappin’.
Chamber Vice-President Suzanne Akins says, “It doesn’t matter where you start your 'escape' or where you end the evening, as each winery will have music, hors d'oeuvres and wine tastings for your enjoyment. This should also be the peak of the fall colors, so the short drive from one winery to the next will be beautiful.”
Tickets are $25 per person and include a commemorative wine glass. Tickets can be purchased at the participating wineries or at the Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Participants must be 21-years-old to purchase a ticket, I.D. required. Please drink responsibly. For more information call 338-5040 or visit the event’s Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/events/974203415977108/