Need a Reason to Go to the HV Wine & Chocolate Festival? Here’s 5!

One might think wine and chocolate paired with helping a good cause is all that's really needed for a festival—but the Hudson Valley Wine & Chocolate Festival isn't stopping there.

This festival raises money for Partners with PARC, a non-profit that secures the financial future for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The last festival, held this past November, attracted nearly 3,000 people and raised more than $89,000, according to organizers.

It's an adult celebration that packs a whole lotta fun into two days, so in light of the fact that they're hosting their FIFTH event starting on 5/5, I thought I'd give you a list of five reasons you won't want to miss this:

1) An aerialist serving wine. I had to look this one up. An aerialist is someone who performs acrobats on the trapeze, tightrope, etc. My mental image of what it must look like to do that WHILE pouring wine is amazing! Can't wait to see it in person!

That's not all, though. There also will be a roving magician and tarot card readings.

Of course, you also get to sample wine, craft beer, ciders, chocolates and other products from Hudson Valley and New York, including Albany Distilling, Benmart Winery, Icedelites (wine slushies), Oliva Vineyards, Sundog Cider and Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery. Samples are free with admission.

2) Kentucky Derby hat contest. Winners will be announced each day at 3:45 p.m. in several categories: Dapper Dan (best guy's hat & ensemble), Too Hot to Trot (best ladies' hat & ensemble), Hat-a-tude (best handmade or upcycled hat), Ride 'Em (best horse-themed hat), Daily Double (best stylin' couple) and Run for the Roses (best women's group). Go big or go home, I say!

3) Chef and cocktail demonstrations—and food trucks. The presenters still are being confirmed, but they include names such as Chef Oliver Kita, Chef Diane Reeder, and Chef Stefan Fraundorfer. Food trucks including Frites NY, Stuf’d Truck, and Three Little Pigs Food Truck will be on site, and nearby Reverie Caffe will be supporting the event and offering breakfast and lunch.

4) A "Willy Wonka" golden ticket. Every guest receives a collectible wine glass, a program with tasting notes and recipes, a drink wine lanyard and a gold “Willy Wonka” ticket. That last ticket will gain you admittance to the Chocolate Fondue Bar. (This is on top of all the free food and wine samples you get with admission).

5) Mother's Day shopping! Not only is this the weekend of the Kentucky Derby, it's the weekend before Mother's Day. There will be plenty of local vendors with great gift possibilities such as jewelry, fine foods, crafts and health and beauty products.

Check out some of the scenes from past events:

Ready to get your tickets? They are $30 each in advance and $35 each on the day of the event (if there are any left). Designated driver tickets are $10 each. Must be 21 years or older to attend. For tickets, see hvwineandchocolate.com, call 845-278-7272, ext. 2287 or email events@arcputnamny.org.

Use promo code TOWN18 get get $5 off regular tickets.