Bratfest celebrates end of the harvest
Entertainers who really get into what they are doing, Bent On Blues will provide the music for the Ginkgo Forest Winery Bratfest.
MATTAWA — The 2015 harvest is wrapping up, with many of the orchards and vineyards bare. To celebrate, Ginkgo Forest Winery is holding a Bratfest.
“All our friends and customers are invited to join us for our annual Bratfest at Ginkgo Forest Winery,” Ginkgo co-owner Lois Thiede said. “We had a lot of fun last year, and this year should be just as good – and maybe a little warmer.”
This year’s Bratfest will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 5-10 p.m. at the winery.
For the last few weeks, the winery production room has been full of vats of fermenting wine. But by Saturday, the wine will all be in barrels, and the room will be transformed into a dining and dancing hall for the Bratfest.
As the name suggests, dinner will feature brats, sauerkraut, German potato salad and dessert. For everyone 21 years old or older, their first glass of wine in a souvenir glass comes as part of the meal.
Pop or water will be available for the younger members of the crowd. Additional glasses of wine can be purchased for $5 a glass.
Bent on the Blues, a band from the Tri-Cities, is coming back to provide the music. They play a mix of blues and popular songs that are great for dancing to or just listening to.
“They played at the Labor Day dinner, and everyone enjoyed them,” Lois said.
The Bratfest will be held partly outdoors, weather permitting.
Last year’s popular bonfire will be repeated. And a few grapes have been left unpicked so they can be harvested Saturday and used for grape stomping that evening.
“Bring your stomping feet,” Thiede said.
To make room for the 2015 vintage, several wines, including the Ginkgo Red, Ginkgo Blanco, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, will be available for purchase at $100 a case, including tax, at the Bratfest.
Call the winery at 509-932-0082 to reserve tickets to the Bratfest.