The third annual Fest of Spring returns to Maryland this May! The Caribbean wine, food, and music festival will bring live entertainment and free wine tastings to Montgomery County for a spring celebration.
The event was founded and organized by Jamaica native Vladimir Trench with the goal of bringing an authentic Caribbean experience to the DMV.
“When I observed, I saw there were similar events that weren't being done by Caribbean people, they are very successful events, but I believe they were missing something,” Vladimir said.
Vladimir grew up in Saint Anne, the birthplace of Bob Marley and Shabba Ranks. The parish is rich in musical history. During our interview, he told me that he has been in the music industry for over 30 years, starting as manager of his cousin’s sound system in high school and eventually being featured as a guest on one of Jamaica’s most popular radio shows.
“I did everything in music except for play an instrument,” he said.
The event will feature mouthwatering Caribbean dishes and traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs that showcase the rich culinary history of the islands. Dishes will include flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and familiar plantain cuisine that transport you to the Caribbean.
A carefully curated selection of premium wines and spirits will accompany the culinary adventure to ensure the perfect pairing for each palate.
Vendors include Beltsville-based MisfitWinery, Lusby-based Cove Point Winery, and Montgomery County’s first distillery since prohibition Twin Valley Distillers.
As you enjoy the experience, groove to infectious Reggae, Soca, Dancehall, and Calypso music and move your body to lively melodies.
Vladimir said he typically plans the festival’s big performances by choosing local and international artists with large music catalogs. He said this is one of the aspects that he finds is missing from other Caribbean wine festivals in the area.
“Because I have been in music for such a long time, I was able to make connections,” Vladimir said. “Trying to keep an event authentic and getting international acts is very costly, you have to rely on connections.”
The music lineup includes several artists like talented vocalist Miss Gavri, Hip Hop and Reggae group Image Band, radio personality DJ Smally, and harmony group Culture Feat. Kenyatta Hill, among others.
When asked what festival attendees can look forward to, Vladimir shared that there will be prizes and surprise giveaways.
“Expect to have a lot of fun, to be surprised and to see things they probably would not see in a typical Caribbean festival,” he said.
Don’t miss a chance to make unforgettable memories, and expand your palate and wine knowledge during the Fest of Spring.
The event will be held on May 18 at 16700 Barnesville Rd. in Boyds, Maryland. The venue offers two-night camping packages for RVs and tents as well as VIP and general experiences. Kids under 12 get free entry.
Vladimir also organizes a similar event, Trinity Fest, in the summer, and said season passes to both events are available.
Tickets are available starting at $25 HERE.
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