The Capital Apple and Wine Festival Returns September 17-18

After a two-year hiatus, this family-friendly Festival will again grace the Altamont Fairgrounds on September 17 and 18. It will be under new management as Altamont Orchards owner, Jim Abbruzzese, has stepped away, and Charley Dooley, formerly of Craftproducers fame, has taken over and is marketing the show under StarBird Events. 

Sometimes a name fails to describe the event and that is certainly the case with this show. After parking their cars, customers are ushered into a large barn that houses arts, crafts, specialty foods, and apples. This serves as the shopping component, and an opportunity for the public to buy directly from the maker. 

After exiting the Marketplace, one follows a path lined with more booths also offering their wares for sale. Along the way, there will be juggling acts and a wandering magician, and even a stage for music. Then, the appetizing cider donuts and cider from Altamont Orchards in addition to a dozen food booths and food trucks offering everything from sausage and onions to tempeh Reuben sandwiches. Along with an extensive food court, Nine Pin Ciderworks will serve a variety of farm fresh ciders along with a few local craft beers. 

And then the New York Wine and Spirits building and tent, which requires proof of age, where customers receive a commemorative tasting glass and can proceed to sample and taste wines and spirits from 20 NY producers. There is an $8 (2@$15) entry fee for the wine and spirits tasting. 

Further along, there is a fantastic Kids Zone with bouncy houses, climbing walls, games, bow and arrows, pumpkin painting, and a haunted house. That is on one side of the path, and on the other is a Car Show. Saturday features cars up to 1975 and Sunday offers cars from 1976 until today. After all that, there’s the road back, passing all the booths and entertainment, until, finally, on the way out, The Marketplace barn, making last-minute purchases, buying some apples, handmade crafts, and heading home after a fun-filled day. 

The Capital Apple and Wine Festival is a rain or shine event with many exhibits inside buildings. Hours are Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-5. Adult admission is $10, children free, and abundant parking free. No pets allowed Fairgrounds policy. The Altamont Fairgrounds are located off Route 146 in Altamont, NY.