Two Days Of Wine And Jazz Make Expanded Festival 'Sensory-Rich Experience'

WHEATON, IL — For its third year, the Jazz and Wine Festival at Cantigny Park has expanded to span two days. The event will feature a new chef's tasting dinner, jazz piano music, a four-course meal paired with wines and performances from the Count Basie Orchestra.

"These new additions allow guests to ease into the festival with a refined, sensory-rich experience in one of Cantigny’s most iconic spaces,"Executive Director, Matt LaFond told Patch. The dinner is served in Cantigny's McCormick House, a restored mansion that dates back to the late 19th century.

Ames said the dinner will "pair beautifully with select wines and cocktails."

Representatives from Romano Beverages will be on hand to give diners context to each wine. The wine list includes:

• Bariano Prosecco
• Bariano Prosecco Rose
• Bonny Doon PicPoul
• Dixie & Bass Cabernet Sauvignon
• Dixie & Bass Sauvignon Blanc
• LAB Moscato
• Lapis Luna Sauvignon Blanc
• Maison Nicolas Chardonnay
• Maison Nicolas Pinot Noir
• QSS Rare Vinho Verde
• Schlink Haus Riesling
• Tussock Jumper Pinot Grigio

An artisanal picnic option is also available for guests to share in the lawn area. Ames said the two-person picnics include a "beautifully curated" charcuterie board with aged cheddar, brie, manchego, walnuts, crackers and fresh fruit. Another charcuterie board features soppressata, salami, prosciutto, cornichons, olives and fig jam.

The picnic also includes a bowtie pasta salad with kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, peppers and onions tossed in Italian dressing. Bottled water, macarons and chocolate-covered macadamia nus are also included and guests have the option to add a bottle of wine for an additional fee.

Though the event is geared toward adults, Ames said there are plenty of fun activities for children, including 20 musical swings that are part of Cantigny's "Feast of the Senses" theme.

Tickets to the Jazz and Wine Fest are $150 for an estate reserve pass that includes the four-course dinner and wine pairings, $75 for an all-access pass that includes live music and wine tastings, $50 for access to the live music and $55 for the two-person artisanal picnic.

Admission is $30 for guests under the age of 21.

Cantigny Park Executive Director Matt LaFond called the Jazz and Wine Fest a "can't-miss" event.

LaFond said, "With The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra headlining and our partnership with WDCB Radio "Chicago's Home for Jazz", this is one of those can’t-miss days at Cantigny—relaxing, lively, and full of flavor. Come sip, sway, and celebrate Father's Day with us!"