Kennett Collaborative hosted their third annual Kennett Summerfest Wine & Food Festival on June 9 in Kennett Square, drawing over 700 attendees who filled South Broad Street for a five-hour festival that introduced them to the tastes and textures of Chester County.

The event showcased 13 winery and cider vendors and several food vendors all from local businesses. Each guest was greeted with a tasting glass for trying samples offered by the wineries. 

Kennett Collaborative Executive Director Daniel Embree said that the festival is a fundraiser for the non-profit, whose mission is to make Kennett Square a more “beautiful and welcoming place.” A portion of all bottle sales from the event went to support this mission and other community programs the organization runs. While this is only the third year of the wine-centric Summerfest, Embree said that its sister event, Brewfest, is in its 27th year.

“We’ve had craft beer in Kennett Square for a long time, but the wine scene is beginning to emerge,” Embree said. “The wineries in Pennsylvania are really starting to mature and take off. It’s an exciting time for the wine industry.”

Gabe Evans-Siegell of Nottingham-based winery Wayvine credited Kennett Collaborative with doing a great job on the event and recognized the supportive community the festival fosters. Other wineries with stations at the event included 1723 Vineyards, Acadian Wine Company, Casa Carmen Wines, Chaddsford Winery, Dressler Estate, Grace Winery, Harvest Ridge Winery, Honey Lane Winery, Old Stone Cider, Paradocx Vineyard, R Five Wines and Stargazers Vineyard. Food was provided by the Country Butcher, Sweet Amelia’s, Talula’s Table, The Farm at Doe Run, Hangry Bear Creamery and LC Farms.

In addition to the wine and food, the lively atmosphere was assisted by local bands Cicco and Tuk and the Big Brass Ones. Other vendors included local florists, artisans and event sponsors.

Other events hosted by Kennett Collaborative can be found on their website at https://kennettcollaborative.org/.