Uncorked: The Forge Wine Festival

Uncorked: The Forge Wine Festival is an afternoon wine festival at The Forge Adventure Park in Lemont, Illinois, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, where a ticket covers 20 one-ounce pours from a curated set of wineries plus a commemorative glass to take home. Uncorked: The Forge Wine Festival prices general admission at $20 and VIP at $100, guests must be 21 or older, and proceeds support The Wilder World Trust.

The pouring list is unusually specific for a park festival. Announced wineries include Field Recordings, Union Sacré, Qupé, Division Wine Co., Fossil & Fawn, Two Shepherds, Desparada, Herman Story, Gaspard, Mary Taylor Wines, Poderi Cellario, Domaine La Patience, Zillamina and Pizzolato, subject to change: a mix of California's Central Coast and Paso Robles producers, Oregon and Washington labels, and Italian and French imports. The featured styles run from Sauvignon Blanc, dry Riesling, rosé and Prosecco through Pinot Noir, Grenache and Cabernet to sparkling and orange wines, so the 20 pours can cover a lot of ground if you plan them.

Food comes from the park's own Quarry Grill and Creamery plus Two Brothers Pizza, sold separately, and live entertainment runs through the afternoon. The Forge is built into the old Lemont quarries about 30 miles southwest of Chicago, a 300-acre park of ziplines, climbing structures and trails around quarry lakes, which makes the setting closer to a state park than a fairground. Sunday afternoon in mid-September is usually mild along the canal corridor; the tasting areas are outdoors, so dress for it. The park is a 45-minute drive from downtown Chicago and about 15 minutes from the Lemont Metra station, and VIP tickets are the way in for anyone who wants seating and an earlier look at the pouring tables before the general crowd.