Oklahoma’s Largest Wine Tasting Festival

The 10th annual Flying Fez Wine Tasting Festival will be held Saturday, March 9 at the Bedouin Shrine Temple in Muskogee.

Enjoy a day of education, fun and celebration of Oklahoma’s wine industry at the 10th annual Flying Fez Wine Festival on Saturday, March 9 at the Bedouin Shrine Temple in Muskogee. This event is not just a showcase for Oklahoma ­wineries; it is a wine experience in itself. “All proceeds will ­support the betterment of the Shrine Temple, including its new roof,” said Shriner Stan Martin.

    Ten of Oklahoma’s finest wineries will come together for what has become the largest wine festival in the state. All types of wines, including many award winners that rival those from Napa Valley, will be on hand to taste: dry wine, dessert wine, hot mulled wine, iced wine smoothies and more. It all takes place in a warm, friendly and casual setting.

    The Flying Fez Wine Festival attracts people of all ages 21 and older from across the state to learn, sample, and enjoy old favorites and new wines. Many take advantage of festival discounts and buy their wine supply for the whole year.

    The festival is an ­opportunity to really get to know wine. Attendees not only sample the wines, but can talk with the owners and winemakers who are more than happy to answer ­questions and share their vast knowledge.    

    One of the most-heard ­comments through the years has been an appreciation for the tips on wine pairings. Just like adding cream to coffee changes its texture and taste, food – when interacting with wine – will affect its flavor. In fact, ­different ingredients and ­preparation methods will bring out different taste sensations with the same bottle of wine. By talking with the winemakers, guests can learn what works best with typical dishes, cheeses and international cuisine.  

    Of course, the day would not be complete without ­wonderful food to go with the wine. A gourmet Italian cuisine lunch (not included in the ticket price) will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The festival will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 9. Tickets are $20 per person, and each guest will receive an embossed wine glass.

    The Bedouin Shrine Temple is located at 201 S. 6th St. in Muskogee and offers plenty of free parking. The Shrine is best known for its colorful parades, its distinctive red fez, and its ­official philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children, which has often been called the “world's greatest philanthropy.” Shriners Hospitals for Children are at the forefront of medical treatment and research in orthopaedic, burn and spinal cord injury care. More than 800,000 young people are able to lead better, fuller lives thanks to the hospital and medical ­services the Shriners have ­provided.

    “We are excited to be ­celebrating our 10th annual wine festival in support of the Shrine. It’s always a wonderful time, and we’re hoping to make this year our biggest success yet!” said Stan. 

For more information, contact

Flying Fez Wine Festival

(918) 682-4544