Uncorked Is One Big Party
Sep 1, 2009 7:59 - 1 Comment
When we arrived at Uncorked last Saturday at about 3:30 PM, all 2,000 commemorative glasses had already been dispersed. The staff had to resort to handing out little plastic dessert-looking cups. At $10 per admission, the event had collected over $20,000 by the time it was halfway over.
Last year when I saw all the people around the winery tables, I thought the event was crowded with long lines for mouthful-sized tastes. This year, I realized everyone was actually enthusiastically discussing the wines, not waiting in line. People were gladly standing around to share their opinions on scents and tastes. Complete strangers were enjoying each other’s opinions. From Elk Run’s “Montgomery College” to Solomon’s Island fruity wines, people would take a sip and inevitably make a comment and enter into a conversation about wine.
In the Town Square, you could sit at a table with friends and enjoy a newly purchased bottle of wine together. The purple tablecloths and large grapes were quite festive. Many of the wines in the booths were sold out by the end of the event, proving the event was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the finest wines Maryland has to offer.
All the while, you could hear the bands playing. Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddy’s entertained Maryland Avenue then Lori Kelly brought smiles to everyone’s face on Gibbs Street. Sons of Bill stole the show as the final act on the main stage. Their youthful exuberance made me wish I was 20 again. The band wandered around the stage completely immersed in each other’s sound. Although I haven’t been to every show in Town Square, this was the first time I have witnessed the audience call for an encore. When Sons of Bill finished playing the crowd didn’t budge. The clapping and cheering continued until someone from the City announced there couldn’t be an encore. When I spoke with James Wilson he confirmed that he and his two brothers in the band have a father named Bill. He also said Rockville is “a good town and everybody’s really friendly”. I always like to hear it! But we need to allow encores even if it’s just one song.
Who made it to the demonstrations under the big tent? How was the L’Academie de Cuisine presentation by Patrice Olivon? What about the wine tasting or winemaking seminars? Were they worth it and did you learn anything?
Later in the evening when my husband and I were having dinner at Sushi Damo, I realized I hadn’t seen Divine, the woman covered in vines who comes alive after hiding in plain sight. She must not have performed in close proximity to the bands.
Although the day was hot, the wines kept everyone cool enough to enjoy a summertime afternoon while making new friends.
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My daughter and I ate lunch at Primo Italiano that afternoon and were treated to a very long show by Divine. We were captivated by her when we saw her at Disney World last year, and even more so seeing her move along Maryland Ave. She is amazing! There were big crowds moving with her, so it was hard for her to surprise people as they witnessed a vine coming alive! Many people were lining up to take pictures with her. My daughter quickly decided that she must be a ballerina because of the way she moves. We really wondered how it would be possible for her to leave an event, but we didn’t watch long enough to find out! She was a great addition to Town Square that day, even for non Uncorked participants!