The public is invited to savor the flavor of Virginia wines on Saturday, April 16. The Tavern Wine Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of historic Rice’s Hotel / Hughlett’s Tavern in Heathsville.

Tickets will be sold at the gate for $10, which includes a free etched wine glass for tastings. Food and other wine-related vendors will be on hand. The Tavern Café and Heritage Arts Center Gift Shoppe will also be open.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to come out early to take part in the season-opening Heathsville Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shoppers will find farm-fresh produce, bread and baked goods, flowers and nursery plants, local meat, pickles and jams, and unique locally-made handcrafts. A celebration of Earth Day will take place concurrently, offering exhibits and special activities, all with an environmental theme.

Inside the Tavern itself is the Tavern Café, which is run by the volunteers of the Tavern Culinary Guild. The Café offers light luncheon fare. Special on market day are glazed donuts hot from the fryer. Outside is the market’s food concession stand, which sells breakfast and lunch sandwiches for easy eating on the run.

Over 100 local artists and artisans consign their wares in the Tavern’s Gift Shoppe. Shoppers will find unique gifts and household items, plus several artisans in residence.

Rice’s Hotel / Hughlett’s Tavern is located at 73 Monument Place, just off Route 360 behind the old North-umberland courthouse in Heathsville. For more information, visit www.RHHTFoundationinc.org, e-mail info@rhhtfoundationinc.org, or call 804-580-3377.