Wine pairs well with many things – music included.
That’s the driving force behind Uncorked and Unplugged, a relatively new series of concerts placing big-name artists among the vineyards of Williamsburg Winery.
“This experience is just one of the many different ways that one can experience wine,” said Michael Kimball, the winery’s vice president of marketing.
Wine and music? “They’re fun. They make you feel a certain way,” Kimball said. “There’s a lot of similarities.”
Partnering with Virginia Beach’s 94.9 The Point radio station, the winery presents a third Uncorked and Unplugged concert on June 12, with headliner Rachel Platten. Simple Plan, Ben Rector, Marianas Trench and Lost Element round out the lineup.
You probably heard Platten’s chart-topping anthem, “Fight Song,” everywhere last year.
“The fact that she’ll be performing that live here at the winery is so hard to believe,” Kimball said.
Chances are it’ll sound different than the version heard in concert halls or clubs – Uncorked and Unplugged artists, as the name suggests, present acoustic sets fitting to the natural setting.
“You’re literally in the vineyard, up close and personal,” Kimball said.
It’s an unusual venue, for both artists and audience, but it seems to work. Last summer, Uncorked and Unplugged sold out.
Growing from an existing partnership between the winery and 94.9 – weekly “Wine Wednesday” segments – Uncorked and Unplugged was inspired by similar wine and music events on the West Coast, Kimball said.
Last summer’s inaugural event featured rocker Grace Potter. The holiday follow-up brought pop duo A Great Big World to the area.
“I think all of us at the winery and those at The Point radio station want it to be the most exciting wine and music event on the East Coast,” Kimball said.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.
Uncorked and Unplugged
When: Doors at 12 p.m., music from 1-5 p.m., June 12
Where: Williamsburg Winery, 5800 Wessex Hundred
Tickets: $45 (Must be 21+)
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit wpte.radiotown.com/uncorked.
