Attendees at a previous Stanly County Winter Wine Fest explore the event’s wine-tasting options. Photo courtesy Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation

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ALBEMARLE — For the 14th year, North Carolina’s local wine industry will soon be celebrated with the help of the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation.

However, this upcoming event — the inaugural Summertime Sip Festival on Saturday, May 31, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. — serves as both a reintroduction and rebranding of Albemarle’s annual one-stop-shop where wine lovers can sample some of the area’s finest wines in one spot.

“Formerly known as the Stanly County Winter Wine Fest, this reimagined event has a fresh name, a sunny new format, and a vibrant outdoor setting in Courthouse Plaza and the surrounding downtown area,” the ADDC announced. “It’s a full afternoon of sipping, shopping and celebrating all things local — and we can’t wait to welcome you.”

The event will also include artisan craft vendors and a performing DJ.

Past versions of the festival have featured a dozen vineyards from across Stanly and neighboring counties, such as Dennis Vineyards, Stony Mountain Vineyards, and Cabo Winery in Concord, as well as food trucks like What-A-Burger, Higgins and Sons BBQ, Hilltop Seafood, and On-Time Snacks.

Tickets for the Summertime Sip Festival can be purchased at the wine fest’s Eventeny ticket link located at both albemarledowntown.com and stanlycountywinterwinefest.com.

General admission tickets are $30 while “designated driver” tickets are $10 each.

The former option includes a souvenir tasting glass, wine samples from a wide variety of North Carolina wineries, access to all food trucks, craft vendors and festival activities, as well as the ability to purchase wine by the glass, bottle or case; the latter option provides entry to the festival and access to all food and craft vendors.

Proceeds from the festival will assist the ADDC in its efforts to benefit the city.

“When you attend the Summertime Sip Festival, you’re doing more than enjoying a great day out — you’re investing in your community,” the ADDC’s event advertisement continued. “Proceeds from the event help fund downtown beautification projects, small business grants, and community development initiatives. Your support helps us grow a vibrant, welcoming and thriving Albemarle Downtown for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

The festival has typically attracted around 1,500 people annually, with previous locations under the Stanly County Winter Wine Fest banner having taken place at Market Station and in downtown Albemarle on First and Second Street.

Revamped from a February event to a warmer springtime gathering, Summertime Sip Festival will be one of Courthouse Plaza’s premier events, highlighting the renovated alleyway in downtown Albemarle stretching from West Main Street to King Avenue that was unveiled as the city’s newest public gathering space last June.

With funding from ElectriCities of North Carolina and the federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act, the plaza has been designed to become a local hub for live music, festivals and special events.