7 COMMANDMENTS FOR ROSEMONT UNCORKED
1. THERE WILL BE WAITS
This is a big festival with lots of people. Be prepared to wait in line a bit. Be surprised if you don’t. Use the time to make some new friends Please be nice to our guests, our event staff, volunteers. wineries, food vendors and their staff.
2. SIP AND GIVE THANKS
The people serving you are busting their behinds during the Rosemont Uncorked weekend. A little tip goes a long way. A kind word will also be welcome—remember, these people are our friends and neighbors and are working hard to make your event as fun as possible.
3. DANCING IS REQUIRED
Okay, maybe not required, but certainly welcome. We have a great music lineup and it would be a real shame if the dance area was empty. Dance like Elaine? Bring it on…
4. YOU REALLY SHOULD BUY WINE TO TAKE HOME
While extra purchases are not a requirement, we think it says something good about you if you show a little love to a winery going above and beyond. Many of them will offer case discounts, and we can for sure help you get that case to your car. Summer is just around the corner, so take some #IllinoisWine home with you while you have the chance!
5. CHECK THE ROSEMONT UNCORKED WEBSITE AND ILLINOIS WINE FACEBOOK PAGE B4 YOU ARRIVE
The wine lists will be available on line prior to the event. With so many participating wineries, you’ll want to make a game plan for the weekend. Every minute counts. Do your research before the event. We will use our Facebook page for last-minute updates, so please make sure to give us a like and a follow there before you travel to the event.
6. SOCIAL SHARING IS CARING
Mobile phone reception can be tricky with so many people in one place. So it’s best to NOT count on great reception and go from there. You can always use your phone to take photos while on the festival grounds and post them later. Take the time to enjoy the awesome music, your friends, the food and the wine! Take lots of pictures and post them to your social accounts when you get back online.
Make sure to use our hashtags – #IllinoisWine #RosemontUncorked and #EnjoyIllinois
Twitter: @IllinoisWine
Instagram: illinoiswine
Facebook: @IllinoisWine
7. YOU MUST HAVE FUN
We don’t think you need an explanation on this one.
FAQs AND HELPFUL TIPS FOR ROSEMONT UNCORKED GUESTS
BRING YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE OR STATE ID: All guests with tasting tickets MUST be prepared to show photo identification to verify your legal age. No exceptions.
WEATHER: This is an outdoor event located on the turf of an urban entertainment district. Please dress accordingly for the weather. Don’t forget your sunscreen, bug spray and anything else you might need to be comfortable for the day! Bring an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. The event will continue during the rain, unless there is a safety concern due to powerful storms, lightning, etc…
ENTRY PROCESS: The entry process will begin as you exit the parking ramp between Kings Bowl and Sugar Factory. Attendees will process through a security checkpoint before advancing to the check-in tents. All attendees MUST go through our security and check in process before gaining entry to the grounds, and this takes time. Please be considerate during the wait. Prepared attendees make the process go faster, so have your ID and tickets ready to view.
TICKET REFUNDS: Tickets are non-refundable. This event is organized by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance, an agricultural non-profit organization, and supports marketing efforts for the Illinois Wine industry.
SMOKING IS ALLOWED IN DESIGNATED AREAS ONLY.
SEATING: The festival has a very limited number of seating options, so we encourage you to bring lawn chairs, blankets or something to sit on for the day. Other items, such as sun umbrellas, empty coolers and small tables are allowed. That said, your set-up MUST be considerate of other attendees. Festival organizers are not responsible for your personal items.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES: Outside food, beverage and glassware is not allowed. This includes alcohol. Food, water and non-alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase inside the event space. All coolers and bags are checked for outside alcohol by security prior to entering the festival grounds. Should you leave the grounds with your cooler it will be re-checked upon entry.
TASTING: Properly banded attendees will receive a 1-ounce pour in exchange for each tasting ticket. Wineries will only pour into your event glass, so please don’t ask them to pour into anything different. Your event glass cannot be inside a wine sleeve at the time of your purchase. Tasting tickets may also be used to purchase a glass of wine from any of the wineries. Additional tasting tickets are available for purchase at the main entry and at our merchandise booth.
CHILDREN: While children are allowed into the festival area, this is an adult event, and no child or family activities are planned. Parents may wish to make alternative arrangements for their children’s care during the event. All children 5 and up need to purchase admission tickets.
PETS: Rosemont Uncorked is a service-dog friendly event. We love our cats, dogs and other critters as much as you do, but this festival is just too large for our furry friends. If you do bring your service-dog, make sure it is always leashed, do not leave it unattended, and please, please, please use an eco-friendly potty bag.
ROSEMONT UNCORKED FAQ
Q: “Can I bring my own wine?”
A: Unfortunately, you can’t bring any alcoholic beverages with you. It is illegal and we have to abide by Illinois State Law. It’s complicated, 350 printed pages to be exact, and you can read all about it at http://www.ilga.gov/default.asp.
Properly banded attendees will not only be able to sample wine, but can purchase additional tasting tickets, glasses or bottles for on-site consumption during the event. Bottle purchases for home are also strongly encouraged.
Q: “Can I buy additional tasting tickets?”
Absolutely, in fact this is recommended! Additional wine tasting tickets are valued at $1.50 and can be purchased onsite.
Q: Is there an event glass?
A: Yes, each wine taster will receive a complimentary acrylic travel tumbler at check-in.
Q: “Do I need a ticket to sit on the grass and enjoy the music?”
A: Yes, you will need a ticket to come on to the grounds of the festival. If you don’t plan on sampling wine you will need to purchase the designated driver/non-drinker ticket.
Q: “Can I bring an umbrella or tent for shade?”
A: Pop-up tents are not permitted for this event, but you may bring a small umbrella for shade. If you do bring your own private shade mechanism, we encourage you to find a spot along the outside of the lawn area. Anyone blocking another guest’s view with a large umbrella will be politely asked to relocate their shady seat.
Q: “Is there a designated driver ticket?”
A: First of all – THANK YOU for being responsible! And yes, the ticket is $20 if you buy online ahead of the event. This ticket will allow entry into the festival grounds and includes 2 complimentary bottles of water. All ticket prices increase by $10 if purchased the day of the event, so please consider purchasing online ahead of time.
Q: “Is this a rain or shine event?”
A: Rosemont Uncorked is a rain or shine event. However, in the case of unsafe conditions – lightning, tornadoes, earthquake, tsunamis, hurricanes, zombie apocalypse, etc., the festival grounds will close until conditions are safe to re-open. *Please check our Facebook page for updates.
Q: “Can I bring my cooler?”
A: Yes, in fact this is encouraged as long as it is EMPTY (ice excluded)! We know that you will fall in love with many Illinois wines during this event. Your cooler can serve as your “picnic table” while you are enjoying the day. It can be used to keep onsite consumption bottles chilled and will also help you get those purchases for home back to your vehicle. All coolers are subject to search upon entry or re-entry.
Q: “Can I bring my child?
A: While children are allowed into the festival area, this is an adult event, and no child or family activities are planned. Parents may wish to make alternative arrangements for their children’s care during the event. All children 5 and up need to purchase admission tickets. The advance price for a child ages 5 – 17 is just $5 in advance.
Q: “Can I bring my dog?”
A: As much as we love dogs (and cats, fish, hamsters, etc…) we ask that you leave them at home. Only documented service animals wearing an animal working harness will be allowed into the festival.
Q: “I lost, I dropped, or left my wine glass at home. Can I get another one?”
A: Yes, you can purchase another glass for $5.00 as long as you are properly wristbanded.
Q: “Can I bring a backpack or purse?”
Of course. Just be aware that backpacks and purses will be subject to search.
Q: “I can no longer attend the fest, can I get a refund?”
A: All ticket sales are final, and we don’t offer exchanges or refunds. Why not offer or sell the ticket to another wine-loving friend?
Q: “Will the wineries accept credit cards?”
A: Most wineries will be equipped to accept credit cards. Please bring your cash just in case. If you need cash, there are several ATM machines at the venue. There is an ATM in the main garage lobby, one posted between Sugar Factory and Bub City and most venues in the park have ATMS inside their restaurants.
Q: “Am I able to leave the grounds and come back?”
A: Yes, you will need to keep your wristband on for re-entrance. All items are subject to search upon re-entry.
Q: “Will food be available?”
A: Yes, there are numerous restaurants in the venue. Additionally, Bub City, Crust and Adobe Gilas will have food tents inside the festival area!
Q: “Why do we need drink tickets?”
Because there are laws, we are licensed for this event and need to follow those laws. It’s complicated, 350 printed pages to be exact, and you can read all about it at http://www.ilga.gov/default.asp. Each drink ticket can be exchanged for a 1 oz sample.
Q: “Do I save any money by ordering online?
A: YES! Tickets for #IllinoisWine tasting will be more expensive and are not guaranteed to be available on the day of the event.
Q: “Is there an ATM machine nearby?”
A: You know it! If you need cash, there are several ATM machines at the venue. There is an ATM in the main garage lobby, one posted between Sugar Factory and Bub City and most venues in the park have ATMS inside their restaurants.
Q: “May we bring wine onto the lawn to enjoy while we listen to music?”
A: If you buy it from one of our wineries – ABSOLUTELY! And trust us, you’re gonna love it. You may also purchase your new favorite wines by the bottle or case to take home!
Q: “Are there any non-alcoholic beverages sold at the festival?”
A: Of course! Water will be available from event organizers, and our food vendors will have non-alcoholic beverages available.
Q: “Could we bring a picnic basket with food and wine?”
A: Well, let us put it to you this way….you may bring the picnic basket of course, and fill it with wine and food that you purchase at the festival. All of our vendors, including the wineries, work VERY hard to help make this a first-class event. We prohibit any outside food and beverages entering the festival site. Your support of the festival is appreciated!