PHOTO PROVIDED This file photo shows patrons enjoying themselves at a previous year’s Wine in the Wilds.

PHOTO PROVIDED
This file photo shows patrons enjoying themselves at a previous year’s Wine in the Wilds.

MILL HALL — Wine in the Wilds, Clinton County’s beloved wine festival, returns this afternoon to serve up an afternoon full of tastings, live music and Keystone State spirit — all in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

The celebration kicks off at 2 p.m. at the Clinton County Fairgrounds, where dozens of wineries, cideries and craft brewers from across the state will pour samples alongside handmade goods, savory bites and a full lineup of live music.

Hosted by the Clinton County Historical Society, the annual celebration raises funds to support the preservation of local history — one tasting glass at a time.

The festival, which began in 2015 at the Castanea Fairgrounds, has grown significantly over the past decade and now calls the Clinton County Fairgrounds its home.

Year after year, Wine in the Wilds expands its offerings — from new drink selections and vendors to added entertainment and amenities. This year, the festival will be offering door prizes for lucky guests.

Today’s tasting lineup features a dynamic mix of alcoholic beverages from brewers across the state, including 814 Distillery, Allegheny Cellars Winery, Bear Creek Winery, Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellar, Boba Pops Distillery, Burnt Timbers, Country Hammer Moonshine, Creekside Cellars, Floating Feathers Brewing Co., Groundhog Winery, Hazards Distillery, King Cole Winery, La Vigneta Winery, The Winery at Wilcox, Timber Ridge Winery, Twisted Vine Winery, Woody Lodge and more!

While enjoying your drinks, be sure to check out the many vendors on site. Among them: Alex and Jack, Cardinal Creations, Damsel in Defense, Design by Alexis, Gingham Table, Goot Essa Cheese, J and J Jewelry, Keepin’ It Micro, K & D Hobby, Lori Martin Sweets, Loyal Timber, Mabes Bakes, Melierra Custom Jewelry, Nancy’s Craft Creations, LLC, Rotary of Downtown Lock Haven, Smitty’s Cigars and Tastefully Simple.

Feeling hungry? Local favorites like Real Taste 570, Farmstead Fusion and the Twisted Whisk will be serving up festival fare, and you don’t need a ticket to stop by for a bite. The public is invited to enjoy the local food trucks, even if they do not have a ticket to the festival.

Throughout the day, attendees will be treated to the musical talents of Kidz @ Heart and DJ-G — setting the perfect soundtrack for the evening.

Tickets for the festival, which runs from 2 to 6 p.m. today, Saturday, April 26, are available at the door for $35. Designated drivers may purchase a DD ticket for just $10 to ensure their loved ones make it home safely.

Your ticket also includes parking and a tasting glass, available while supplies last, with the exception of tickets for designated drivers.

To join the fun, you must be 21 or older with a valid photo I.D. Please note: outside alcohol, food and containers (including coolers and ice chests) are not permitted.

As proud members of the Clinton County Visitors Bureau and Pennsylvania Wilds, Wine in the Wilds extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors: Ambassador Home Improvements; Adventure Realty; Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #4298; First Citizens Community Bank; Journey Bank; Lea Ann Plessinger, CPA, LLC; Sons & Daughters of Italy; Loggia Giosue Carducci Lodge #146; Woodlands Bank; SWC Realty; Kliney’s Home Furnishings; It Is What It Is and The Bus Stops Here.

To learn more about the Clinton County Historical Society and how to get involved, visit www.clintonpahistory.org.