Wine On The Fox Will Bring More Than 100 Wine Varieties To Oswego

OSWEGO, IL — Wine on the Fox is returning for two days at the beginning of May. Similarly to previous years, more than 100 varieties of wine will be available for tasting, village officials announced.

Tickets became available for purchase Monday ahead of the May 6-7 event.

The wine tasting, returning to downtown Oswego for the 17th year, will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 6 and from noon to 6 p.m. May 7 at Hudson Crossing Park, 65 N. Harrison St. Like the name of the event suggests, the park is located on the east bank of the Fox River in Oswego.

Wineries scheduled to attend include August Hill Winery/Illinois Sparkling Co., Galena Cellars, Lavender Crest Winery and Oswego’s Fox Valley Winery. For those who prefer beer, Oswego Brewing Co. will have two seasonal craft beers available.

Food-wise, local vendors will provide sweet and savory bites to pair with the wines and non-alcoholic drink options.

Musicians from seven bands, such as Karla & the Phat Cats and Wild Daisy and the Bree Gordon Band, will be performing live music during the two-day event, and children's activities — including face painting and a playground — will be offered to keep the kids entertained.

"We can't wait to kick off this year's event season with Wine on the Fox, a wonderful event in a beautiful setting," Village President Troy Parlier said in a statement. "We’ll have a wide variety of wines, excellent food, great entertainment and fun for all!"

Proceeds from the event, which will take place rain or shine, will help offset the cost of Oswego's annual event programming as well as provide community amenities throughout the year. Fourth of July fireworks, free movies in the park and Venue 1012 events are among the programs made possible by Wine on the Fox attendees and sponsors, village officials said in a Monday news release.

Admission to Wine on the Fox is free, but tickets and a valid photo ID showing an age of 21 or older are required to try wines. Tickets, which can be purchased online, cost between $20-$55, depending on the package. The most affordable package includes eight wine tickets as well as a commemorative glass and wristband.

Additional wine tickets can be purchased for $1 each at the event. Designated drivers will receive complimentary bottled water and soda, according to village officials.

Advanced tickets are available until 11:59 p.m. May 5, and prices will increase on the day of the event.