Jungle Jim's International Wine Festival: What to know

The 2019 Jungle Jim’s International Wine Festival raises a glass this weekend to the opportunity to explore the world of wine.

Filled with dozens of wineries and more than 400 wines from all over the world, the 12th annual festival at Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway in Fairfield, also features bite-sized delicacies, charcuterie and other culinary delights.

The Butler County grocer aims to make the festival an intimate, elegant, lively and vibrant two-night event, store officials said.

Here are five things to know about this year’s installment of the International Wine Festival.

1. Not all the wineries are the same and not everything is about wine

There’s roughly the same amount of wineries and wines from the last couple of years, but the offerings do tend to change every year depending on what’s available, store officials said.

Those looking for a dine-and-drink option, or just a dining experience, may try the festival’s “Dinner by the Bite” menu items include appetizers, as well as various stations serving different culinary delights from around the world.

MORE: They sell what? Jungle Jim's working to expand selection of exotic meat, seafood

2. Connoisseur tickets include something extra

The International Wine Festival also includes, for those who purchase Connoisseur-level tickets, access to everything that’s included in the Grand Tasting Ticket, plus exclusive wine selections, International Dinner by the Bite, full bar, and private restrooms; all in a special “Connoisseur-Only” area.

VIP Connoisseurs will meet at the Oscar Event Center, pick up their buyer's club card, then get on the monorail to go over to the Oscar Station. The monorail will be running every 12 to 15 minutes

3. It’s a way to keep the good times rolling at home

Anyone who purchases a ticket to the festival will have the ability to purchase the wines they enjoy the most by ordering them at the event, then pick them up a few days later, just in time for the holidays, according to store officials.

After the festival, the store will compile a list of all the wines requested then box them for purchase the Wednesday following the festival. Wines will be held for two weeks.

MORE: Newest Butler County restaurant in Fairfield now open: What to know

4. The festival is among the oldest of Jungle Jim's offerings

The event brings education and leisure together as Jungle Jim’s welcomes those new to wine and connoisseurs alike to the Oscar Event Center, store officials said.

Jungle Jim’s International Wine Festival is among the nine festivals offered between the grocer’s two locations. The International Craft Beer Festival held its 14th installment in June and Weekend of Fire held its 13th installment in October.