(photo courtesy of St. Michael's Food & Wine Festval)

Ready to enjoy food and wine worthy of a gourmet pallet at an event that helps fund the worthiest of causes? Then it's time to get tickets for the expanded 5th Annual St. Michaels Food & Wine Festival. The Festival will be held from Thursday, April 26th through Sunday the 29th on the grounds of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland.

The popular event attracted over 2,000 food and wine enthusiasts in 2006. The festival will celebrate its 5th year by expanding its pavilions to allow more visitors to comfortably sample distinctive foods, select fine wines and spirits, and attend educational food and wine programs and demonstrations.

In 2006, the Festival donated over $17,000 to charity. One of the chariites receiving proceeds from the event is the St. Michaels Food Bank, a non-profit organization that feeds people truly in need.

Advance tickets include several new packages, including a VIP Reception with chefs and VIP Weekend Tickets, which allow guests to take advantage of exclusive receptions and seminars. Watermark Cruises is offering a one-day cruise from Annapolis to the Festival on Saturday.

Internationally celebrated chefs will join with the region’s chefs at area restaurants to feature special wine dinners and programs. New guest chefs for 2007 include: Roberto Donna of Galileo and Bebo Trattoria, in Washington, DC; Brian McBride of the Park Hyatt Hotel, also in Washington, Bill McCarrick, former pastry chef at Harrods of London, and Tom Lewis, owner of the famous Monachyle Mhor Hotel, in Balquhidder, Scotland.

Many of the region’s finest restaurants and inns will participate in the Festival. Hotel and inn packages are available for out of town guests. They include accomodations ranging from bed & breakfasts to luxurious spas and resorts. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

For more information and to purchase tickets, including Weekend Pavilion Tickets and VIP Weekend Passes, visit the Festival's official web site: St. Michaels Food & Wine Festival

You can also make inquiries by phone (443) 205-2185 or write: St. Michaels Food & Wine Office, PO Box 824, St. Michaels, MD 21663