Celebrate the lifestyle of America's southernmost city on the northern end of the Grand Strand at the Key West Wine And Music Fest on Saturday, May 3, at La Bella Amie Vineyard in Little River.
Located in the rural section of Horry County, known as the Independent Republic, La Belle Amie Vineyard magically transforms into the Conch Republic for this popular one-day festival that features live tropical-themed music., a wide selection of food and, of course, excellent wines that are made on site.
Visitors can kick off their flip-flops and dance in front of the main stage to the tunes of the Jamaican Jerks and Paul Grimshaw Band as they play Jimmy Buffett favorites and other Caribbean covers, or bring a lawn chair or blanket and kick back in the shade with some tropical drinks, local wines and a selection of food.
Smokin' Pit BBQ serves up some great burgers, hot dogs and barbecue, an you can wash it all down with cold drink, beer of the fine wines that bear La Belle Amie's label.
A guided tour of the vineyard will begin at 2:30 p.m., taking visitors for a walk through the scenic property, which includes the grapevines, an old tobacco barn and a duck pond, and eventually on to the stately winery, which features a lovely patio deck, a gift shop and the charming Tasting Room as visitors follow the process of wine-making from grape to glass.
Guests also are permitted to take part in the special wine tasting sessions throughout the day. Although South Carolina prevents free tastings, visitors can purchase a souvenir glass for $3 and try up to six different wines. The glass is yours to keep, and bottles of your favorite can be purchased as you leave the Tasting Room.
The Key West Wine & Music Fest begin at noon and runs till 5 p.m. Admission is $8 per person but visitors can save themselves $3 by bringing two cans of non-perishable goods for donation to local food banks.
Le Belle Amie Vineyard is just north of Myrtle Beach, located at 1120 St. Joseph Road in Little River, For more information call 843-399-WINE (9463).
