How can you beat that combo – wine, water and benefits? I am giving you lots of notice – the first annual Kitsap Wine Festival will be held on Sunday, Aug. 23, at Harborside Fountain Park near the ferry landing in Bremerton. The benefits?

Well, it’s a celebration of beneficial wine … and local food such as Amy’s Chocolates from Bremerton, Crimson Cove Smoked Specialties from Poulsbo and cuisine prepared by Chef Marsha Henry of Kitsap Conference Center and Chef Shawn Walker of Anthony’s at Sinclair Inlet.

Another benefit: if you take the ferry from downtown Seattle, you don’t need a car, because the wine festival takes place right next to the ferry terminal along the marina.

Seriously though, this is the real benefit: a portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Harrison Medical Center Foundation. A worthy cause! Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online or at Kitsap Conference Center.

These are the wineries that will be pouring: Balboa, Camaraderie Cellars, Chateau Ste. Michelle, DiStefano Winery, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Dusted Valley Vintners, Forgeron Cellars, Gordon Brothers Cellars, Hard Row to Hoe, Hightower Cellars, J Bookwalter, Mercer Estates, Novelty Hill, Olympic Cellars, Revelry Vintners, Snoqualmie, SYZGY, Thurston Wolfe Winery, Vin du Lac, Whidbey Island Winery, Yellow Hawk Cellar and Zero One Vintners.

We are definitely going and we hope to see you there! Cheers!