BY ANGELO VELOTTA
Gazette Newspapers
MENTOR – On a day with just about perfect weather, the 2026 Wildwood Fine Arts and Wine Festival took place. The annual event showcases local wineries, but also local vendors, musicians, authors and food trucks.
It is held on the grounds of the Wildwood Cultural Center, located at 7645 Little Mountain Road in Mentor, which provides a backdrop with the green shrouded trails all around and the historic manor being full of activity.
Guests could purchase tickets for a variety of different wine samples. A one-ounce wine tasting ticket was available for $2; a four-ounce glass was $6.
A VIP wine experience was available for $20 and included a souvenir glass, as well as six 1-ounce tastings and one 4-ounce tasting.
A VIP art and wine experience included all the above, as well as a Japanese herbarium for $35 and a swag goody bag was available $40, a handmade wooden charcuterie board and a Wildwood notebook and pen set.
Salvage Winery, Emerita Winery, 3 Roses Wine Cellars, Fossil Creek Vineyards, CLE Winery and Day Dream Farm Winery, were this year’s wineries. Food trucks on the scene were Rabbit Food, Delish Mobile Kitchen, Fat Rolls, East Coast Custard and the Limonada Bar.
Entertainment took place across three outdoor stages and ranged from the steel guitar and reggae-influenced sounds of the 12 O’clock Tribe, to the dynamic Duo-Ly Noted, an exciting dance performance by the Federation of Indian Community Association and author readings, including by Bella Bognar, a high-school student on the verge of publishing her ninth book, as well as other author readings and musical performances.
“Mentor’s Wildwood Arts & Wine Fest showcases the cultural arts on the beautiful grounds of the Wildwood Cultural Center as well as inside the manor house,” Linda Wintersteller, Wildwood recreation coordinator, said. “This is the 45th year for this event. Every year it grows with attendance, vendors, musicians, wineries, authors and so much more. Many attendees come every year. The 2026 year was the best yet. Planning has already begun 2027.”
Wildwood hosts classes and events throughout the year in a wide range of styles and focuses. For more information, visit cityofmentor.com/departments/parks-recreation/facilities/wildwood-cultural-center.
