Third annual Wellen Park Wine Festival returns Saturday in Venice

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The third annual Wellen Park Wine Festival returns Saturday, Nov. 14, with more than 40 vintners and eight local restaurant partners.The Grand Tasting runs from 1 to 4 p.m., with VIP entry at noon. The ticketed, outdoor event allows guests to sip, shop and sample a variety of wines, along with small bites from Downtown Wellen restaurant partners.What to expect at the Grand TastingA live contemporary jazz band will perform on the Solis Hall stage during the festival. The Rotary Club at Wellen Park is the official charity partner.Wellen Park President Rick Severance and Paul Kaufmann, sales supervisor of Reyes Beverage Group, joined the program to discuss the event. The segment includes a preview of the festival with wine and food pairings. Kaufmann leads the wine discussion, and Severance presents food offerings and festival details.Ticket optionsGeneral Admission tickets are $95. VIP tickets are $175 and include early entry, a VIP tent and access to an air-condi