This weekend's ninth annual Illinois Wine and Art Festival, featuring some of the state's best wine, art, song and food, offers a feast for the senses.

"This festival is unique in that it gives us the opportunity to show the rest of the world what the state and Southern Illinois has to offer," said Mary Lou Galloway, director of the Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center. "We take the best of the best and blend them together for the festival."

The event will draw together 54 artisans, 13 Southern Illinois wineries, specialty local food vendors and musicians for two crowd-pleasing days.

"People come to the festival from all over the United States. We have people who come in from Colorado, Maryland, all over. Many people make a return trip each year," Galloway said.

The crowd is one huge draw for basketweaver Kay Wiggins of McLeansboro, who has displayed her craft at the festival every year.

"It's a well-run show, and the crowds are terrific. We see many of the same faces year after year, and lots of new faces, too," she said. "It's a great event."

The Illinois artisans will have items for sale and some will demonstrate their crafts, such as glassblowing, ceramics and blacksmithing. Artists work in a variety of mediums including jewelry, wood, metal and paint, Galloway said. Among the artisans displaying their craftwork will be quilters, soapmakers, spinners and weavers.

Those attending the event will have their choice of select wines to taste or purchase by the glass or bottle. Wine-tasting armbands may be purchased for $10.

"Each winery will have six of their very best wines for tasting," Galloway said.

An educational tent will provide visitors with knowledge about winemaking and wine tasting from experts.

Prawns, pies and barbecue will be among the local food specialties available.

Saturday's headline entertainment will be provided by Stokers and Rick Fabec, while the Phins Band will perform Sunday.

"We encourage people to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the music, and to spend the day here. The event is a great time to enjoy the outdoors in a real festival atmosphere," she said.

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Illinois Wine and Art Festival

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center, just off exit 77 of Interstate 57, Whittington; $2 admission for parking, $10 unlimited wine tasting; for more information, go to wineandartfestival.com.