If you’re looking for a great gastronomic experience this weekend and happen to be in the Washington, DC metro area, the National Harbor Food & Wine Festival is definitely your destination.  The development of National Harbor sits just across the DC border in Maryland along the banks of the Potomac River and has, in its short life, attracted festivals, foodies and a Ferris wheel.

This waterfront wine tasting is in its 8^th year, and now boasts 150 different international and local wines, craft beers and spirits. You also don’t have to worry about finding something you like and remembering to buy it later, the festival permit allows you to purchase the bottles you like best.

If you live in DC and have always wanted to get a reservation at that trendy restaurant (or just have a taste to see what all the fuss is about) or track down a popular local food truck, this might be your chance. The festival attracts chefs from some of the hottest restaurants in the area along with some of the best of the DC food truck scene.  The food trucks in DC are a far cry from the “roach coach” experience a decade ago; these mobile kitchens have food for every taste from Pho to BBQ.

A headliner of the wine selection is from Stags Leap of Napa Valley, California. In 1976 Stags Leap was the first US wine to win the Judgement of Paris, a moment that’s now considered a watershed moment for American wines. The win is considered so important the Smithsonian included the wine in its 101 objects that made America.

A bier garten will also be set up so you can taste some special craft beers, or head to the whiskey and bourbon lounge for spirits and hand-rolled cigars.

You will even get the chance to sit in on cooking demonstrations and book signings from some of the best chefs in the area like Mike Isabella, author of Crazy Good Italian, Bryan Voltaggio, Top Chef finalist, and Rock Harper, winner of Hell’s Kitchen.

General admission and your souvenir tasting glass are $55 on Saturday and $45 on Sunday. The hours both days are from 1pm to 6pm. Admission gives you access to unlimited samples, cooking demos and several workshops.

So bring your blankets, chairs and plenty of cash (most of the vendors will take credit cards, but not all).  You’ll be asked to show your ID many times over, so keep that handy, too.