The Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its newly renamed Grapes and Grains Festival on May 19 undeterred by several days of heavy rains and a soggy lawn. The festival, formerly known as the Vinton Wine and Food Festival, was held at the Vinton War Memorial with fine wines, craft brews, food and craft vendors, and live music from Big Ole Boys.

Wineries represented included West Wind Vineyard and Winery, Fincastle Vinyard and Winery, Inc., Brooks Mill Winery, Ramulose Ridge Vineyards, White Rock Vineyard, Winery and Brew Haus, DeVault Family Vineyards, Rural Retreat Winery, and Preston Ridge Winery.

“The wine festival had a great turnout,” said Justin Davison, president of the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce. “It was great to see everyone come out in their rain boots and jump right in. We appreciate all the vendors, wineries, and volunteers that didn’t let the weather keep them away.

“We always enjoy having a great festival for people to come to the Vinton War Memorial and enjoy. It was a great kickoff to the summer festival and concert series and we are excited about the days ahead #InVinton,” he said.

Sponsors of the event in addition to the VACC include Vinton Roofing and Roanoke County (gold level), the Town of Vinton and the Vinton War Memorial (diamond level), Carilion Clinic, Vertex, Magnets USA, Grand Rental and Storage, PFG, Twin Creeks Brewing, GCR Tires and Service, Lotz Funeral Home, Pinnacle Bank, BB&T Bank, Cox Communications, First Team Auto, Berkshire Health Care Center, and Servpro of Roanoke County (silver level), along with The Vinton Messenger, Braeloch/Boxtree, Winter’s Storage, and Member One (bronze level).