GoCampingAmerica.com | Posted January
    2nd, 2016

    Cheers! Raise a Glass at Beer, Wine
    and Spirits Festivals Across the Country

    Happy Camper Blog

    As the
    variety of handcrafted beers, wines and spirits being produced across the
    country continues to grow, there’s no better way to satisfy your thirst for
    these locally-produced beverages than by attending a festival where you can
    sample many of them at one time.

    Here are a few festivals
    where you can wet your whistle wherever your camping adventures take
    you:

    NATIONWIDE

    America
    On Tap

    Billing itself as the
    “foremost producer of premium beer festivals in the country,” America On Tap
    currently has more than 40 one-day events scheduled from coast to coast throughout
    the year with even more to be “tapping soon.” While all of the events are
    promoted under America On Tap’s national brand, each festival is designed to
    honor its host city’s local culture, beers and food. Live music and vendors
    add to the fun.

    Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
    Festival

    Now celebrating its
    10th year, the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
    will be held in 10 cities in New York, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina,
    Georgia, Virginia and Ohio in 2016. Check out the festival’s website to find
    out what they’re cooking up in a city near you, but here’s a taste of what to
    expect: The festival at National Harbor, MD on June 17th
    and 18th will feature unlimited beer and bourbon
    tastings with 40 bourbons and 60 beers on tap, live music, seminars and
    exhibits, and, of course, BBQ galore, including the “Shrine of Swine” that
    serves up pulled pork from a new pig every hour on the
    hour.

    ARIZONA

    12th Annual Fountain Hills Fine Art
    & Wine Affaire

    March
    11-12, Fountain Hills

    This is one art
    festival where the setting is as beautiful as the art. Fountain Hills, which
    takes its name from its iconic 560-foot fountain, is located east of the
    Phoenix metro area and offers spectacular views of Four Peaks, the
    Superstition Mountains, the McDowell Mountains and the surrounding desert
    landscape. This juried art fair attracts a world-class gathering of artists
    whose work will be on display. Wine tasting tickets that include a souvenir
    glass are also available.

    FLORIDA

    Epcot International Food & Wine
    Festival

    Late
    September through Mid-November, Orlando

    Here’s
    your chance to “taste your way around the world” without even needing a
    passport. Each fall, the Epcot theme park at Disney World hosts this popular
    weeks-long event where more than 25 international kiosks offer small
    plate-sized samplings of global cuisine along with recommended beer and wine
    pairings. The festival also features the “Eat to the Beat” concert series
    with big name acts. (Specific dates for the festival and the names of the
    concert performers have not yet been announced.)

    OREGON

    TOAST
    2016

    February 27,
    Portland

    Presented by the Oregon Distillers
    Guild, the sixth annual TOAST event offers an opportunity to sample your
    choice of over 120 spirits from across the Northwest, the country and the
    globe. The handcrafted spirits being showcased will range from whiskey, run,
    gin, vodka, tequila, brandy and liqueurs to more unique offerings such as
    absinthe and aquavit. Even if you can’t make it to TOAST, you can still savor
    the state’s spirits by hitting the Oregon Distillery Trail where craft
    spirits are served up in tasting rooms at more than 30
    locations.

    SOUTH
    CAROLINA

    Charleston Wine & Food
    Festival

    March 2-6,
    Charleston

    Save room on your calendar the
    first weekend in March and head to Charleston’s historic Marion Square and
    other Lowcountry sites to celebrate the city’s outstanding local food
    culture. More than 100 culinary events will be held over the five days of the
    festival, and the proceeds will benefit scholarship programs for students
    studying the culinary arts, hospitality and
    tourism.

    WASHINGTON

    PROOF

    July 9,
    Seattle

    Seattle’s Fremont Studios will once
    again be the site of PROOF, a one-day event that will feature spirits from
    more than 40 Washington distillers and food from local restaurants. Expert
    bartenders will also be on hand to offer attendees helpful tips on crafting
    beverages based on locally-produced spirits.