Hot-air balloon rides, beer, wine and brats at ‘Augtoberfest’

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“Augtoberfest” is pretty easy to explain, according to Mike Cavett, owner of FairWinds Winery.

“Just like Octoberfest, with better weather,” said Cavett, who owns the winery along with his wife Judy. 

Augtoberfest is coming to FairWinds Winery from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14. Admission to the event includes a plate of food (bratwurst, coleslaw, and beans) and a glass of FairWinds wine or Port Townsend Brewing Company beer. Additional glasses of beer and wine will be available for purchase along with bottles of wine including their new summer releases of mead, blush, and pinot gris. 

The Delta Rays will play live music from 1 to 4 p.m., and hot-air ballon rides will also be available during that time. 

The hot-air balloon ride is a first for Port Townsend, according to Cavett, a resident since 1986. He said he can’t recall there ever being one here for people to ride in. 

The tethered balloon rides are available for a $10 add-on purchase. 

“We’ll also be having Rochambeau and cornhole tournaments,” added Michelle Cavett, the owners’ eldest daughter and new general manager. 

The celebration is most welcome, Michelle Cavett explained.

“We are really looking forward to this event after my dad battling heart bypass and esophageal cancer a few years back, and then the pandemic hitting, it’s been quite a challenge,” she said.

The winery is located at 1984 Hastings Ave. West in Port Townsend. More information about the event can be found at the winery’s website, www.fairwindswinery.com, or by calling 360-385-6899.