Tickets are now on sale for the second annual Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival coming to The Landing at Reynolds Plantation from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, May 14.     

On the heels of a sold-out event in 2010, this year’s festival has been expanded to accommodate more guests looking to sample specialties from select restaurants in the region, paired with more than 100 premium wines. Guests will also find a more extensive silent and live auction to cap off the evening.

“The event was a tremendous success last year and we were very excited to sell out well in advance,” said event chair Ted Baker. “We are encouraging people to get their tickets early this year so they don’t miss out on this great event for a great cause.”     

Tickets to the festival are available online and at both The Oconee Cellar and Classic Wines.

A Vintner Dinner has been added for Friday, May 13 to kick off the weekend’s events. This unique gourmet experience will be held at the newly-opened Linger Longer Steakhouse at the Oconee Clubhouse, Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.

Showcasing the exceptional talents of Executive Chef Yann Chupin of the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, the dinner will also feature the wines of Maison Louis Latour, a world-renowned vintner of fine Burgundy wines since 1797. Each course will be paired perfectly with either a French chardonnay or pinot noir from the family-owned Maison Louis Latour. Seating for the 2011 Vintner Dinner is limited to the first 100 reservations.

The 2011 Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival is organized by Redeemer Episcopal Academy. Proceeds will benefit the school’s academic and enrichment programs.

Event sponsors include Advisor to Global Business LLC, Corey Media, Cowles Clinic Pediatrics, Lake Oconee Dentistry, Lake Oconee Farms and Land, Lake Oconee News and Lake Oconee Rental.  

For more information, visit www.oconeefoodandwine.com.