Monroeville Convention Center to host revamped wine and mac-n-cheese festival in early February

A wine and mac-n-cheese festival returns to the Monroeville Convention Center after a pandemic-year hiatus.

It also comes back with a new name as promoters Dottie and Bob Miller of Jefferson Hills had added a few things to entice thirsty and hungry patrons.

Women-n-Wine Purse Palooza Pierogies Mac-n-Cheese is the official name of the event presented by WineFest PA. It’s scheduled for Feb. 5 in the convention center, at 209 Mall Blvd in the Monroeville Mall complex.

The inaugural festival, Wine Shine Mac ‘n Cheese Fest, took place in late February 2020.

More than 2,000 people took part in the festivities. Dottie Miller said she hopes to have repeat success.

“We had such a great interest the last time we had the event that people are looking for it,” she said. “People were writing to us. We were waiting for the right time to possibly bring it back. This covid … nobody knows with it what’s going on.

”We want to make sure we’re all living our lives happily and not living in fear at this point.”

More than 60 vendors have signed up including wineries and distilleries.

Others will be selling fudge, cookies, cakes, jewelry, candles and other crafts.

There are no food trucks. Main courses will be provided by DelVecchio’s Catering.

There also will be live entertainment.

The event is open to all ages. However, those 21 and older will get a wristband and a wine glass for sampling.

“People will be able to eat, drink and enjoy the day,” Miller said.

Entry is on a staggered schedule, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., noon to 4 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.

“We do that so people don’t have to stand in one long line,” Miller said. “They’re not forced to leave, but we have people come in sessions because people only stand in an event for, like, two hours.”

Admission is $20. It comes with 25 raffle tickets for a chance to win 25 purses that will be given out as prizes.

Tickets will be pulled throughout the event.