A Toast to Easter

Blessing the Vines | Grapevine, Texas

Some winemakers feel that part of successful grape-growing is divine intervention. So, many wineries host blessing of the vineyard events in the spring right around bud-break. Delaney Vineyards will host a blessing of the vines ceremony that includes a procession through the vineyards (led by Father Tom Kennedy, associate pastor at St. Michael Catholic church in Bedford, Texas), a mariachi band and a benediction for savory grapes. The ticketed post-blessing festivities are part of a wine-and-art trail event that the city of Grapevine organizes with the eight local wineries. There is also a wine-and-jazz train if you want to take an evening ride. Tickets at grapevinetexasusa.com.

WHEN Blessing, April 18, 11 a.m.; New Vintage Trail, April 18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Train, April 17, 6:40 p.m.
WHERE Blessing, Delaney Vineyards, 2000 Champagne Blvd., Grapevine, Texas; trail and train, locations around Grapevine
HOW MUCH Blessing, free; wine trail, $45; train, $55.

RagApple Lassie Vineyards

Bud Break & Wreaths | Boonville, N.C.

RagApple Lassie Vineyards will celebrate its fifth blessing of the vines with Rev. Bret Cogan of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. The winery has just finished pruning its vines and there will be a wreath-making station set up for guests to create a decorative item to take home. A tasting of 10 wines includes the just-released 2005 "Hobson's Choice" red blend -- only 220 cases were made. Winery information at ragapplelassie.com.

WHEN April 11, 2 p.m., wreaths and tasting, noon to 6 p.m.
WHERE 3724 RagApple Lassie Lane, Boonville, N.C.
HOW MUCH Blessing and wreaths, free; Tasting, $8 (donate your fee to charity)

Justin Hulse

BBQ and Jazz | Temecula, Calif.

There will be barbecue and jazz at the blessing of the vines event at South Coast Winery. Pastor Scott Treadway of Rancho Community church in Temecula, Calif., will lead the procession through the vineyards and the blessing. Then the party begins with a full wine country lunch with barbecue. Diego de Jesus Mondragon will provide the music for dancing. Go to wineresort.com for reservation details.

WHEN April 19, 4 to 7 p.m.
WHERE 34843 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, Calif.
HOW MUCH $40, $35 for members, includes a glass of wine

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards

Egg Hunt for Kids | Leesburg, Va.

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards will host its annual Easter egg hunt for kids. Hunts start every hour and there will be games, movies, juice, little ham sandwiches, cakes and candies galore. Parents will want to take in the views of Loudoun Valley, snack on some Easter goodies and sample wines. Details at willowcroftwine.com; groups should RSVP.

WHEN April 11, noon to 4 p.m.
WHERE 38906 Mt. Gilead Rd., Leesburg, Va.
HOW MUCH $10 for adults, free for kids

Sonoita Vineyards

Blessing Fest | Elgin, Ariz.

Sonoita Vineyards has hosted a multidenominational blessing of the vineyards event for more than 30 years. This year's all-day affair includes wine-and-food pairings from local restaurants for a small fee, horse rides, winery tours, samples of new releases and activities to keep kids busy. Information at sonoitavineyards.com.

WHEN April 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE 290 Elgin Canelo Rd., Elgin, Ariz.
HOW MUCH $10, $2.50 fee for each wine and food pairing

Egg Hunt for Big Kids | Pawnee City, Neb.

SchillingBridge Winery will host its fourth annual over-21 Easter egg hunt. Eggs will contain instant prizes and the grand prize is a case of wine. The winery produces about 3,000 cases of wine each year (be sure to sample the signature wine, Edelweiss) and also makes beer. Beer drinkers and fans of Larry the Cable Guy will want to try out the "Git-R-Done" beer from the winery's micro-brewery. Details at schillingbridgewinery.com.

WHEN April 11, 2009, 3 p.m.
WHERE 62193 710th Rd., Pawnee City, Neb.
HOW MUCH $5 for the hunt, $5 for a tasting of five wines

Vintage Festival | Barossa Valley area, Australia

The buds are just starting to break in the Northern hemisphere, but it's already wine-making time Down Under. The Barossa Vintage Festival is a nine-day event that includes grape-stomping, an air show, a carnival, children's activities, winery touring, winemaker talks, a formal ball and an auction. Go to barossavintagefestival.com.au for details.

WHEN April 11 to 19
WHERE Australia's Barossa Valley wine region
HOW MUCH Prices vary