The food is unfortunately expensive and unremarkable. The only thing really worth buying there is the giant turkey legs, if only because they are rarely sold elsewhere. The crowds are another unfortunate (and unavoidable) result of free booze booths. Since children get in for free, parents bring them in hordes. They indiscriminately hog shade, chairs, and water coolers- I resent this mostly because they didn't pay for it, and they are obnoxious. I think that if it cost two or three dollars to allow parents to bring their 200 billion kids, the resulting overflow of people would trickle to a more reasonable number. The ticket price could then be likewise shifted to a more agreeable $10, saving couples $12 at least.
Another undeniable aspect of the wine festival is the heat. Lines are unpleasant in most situations, but in a crowded area with 100 degree temperatures is intolerable. Drinking wine anywhere but the scant shade becomes a nausea-inducing experience. I've never come back from the wine festival feeling good. It is not an activity for anyone who is at less than 100%.
In order to enjoy the event to its fullest, take my tips for a safe day:
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the festival. Bring it yourself, though- otherwise you'll be stuck refilling your tiny wine glass or paying a few bucks per tiny Ozark. Wear (and bring) sunscreen. You will be in the sun for at least 10-15 minutes in many lines. Along that line, bring a large hat and cool clothing. Wear shoes or sandals, but avoid dress shoes and heels. The area is dusty/muddy, depending on where people decided to rinse out their glasses.
Eat before going. Make sure you have a filling meal, other the wine will hit you harder than normal, and you'll have nothing but $6 burritos and quesadillas to fall back on.
Bring cash. There are still vendors who are cash only, and you won't have access to an ATM.
Leave your kids at home. Nobody else wants them there, and you have to watch them carefully, lest they get swept away in a wave of skanky middle-aged women. You paid money to enjoy yourselves- don't waste it.
