Checklist for the perfect weekend: food, music and beer.

Mount Hope Estate & Winery will serve up that indulgent trifecta Saturday, May 12, during its fourth annual BrewFest on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

Nearly three dozen vendors from across the country will offer at least 70 craft and big-batch beer samplings.

BrewFest coordinator Teresa Santini said there will be 14 new brewers at this year's festival, including St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. in Ephrata.

"We try and mix it up so you're not seeing the same brewers every year," Santini said.

Other new vendors include the Duquesne (Pittsburgh), Mudhook (York) and Evil Genius (West Grove) brewing companies.

In addition to the hoppy selections, there will be eight all-you-can-eat food stands spread across 20 acres of grounds. Classic bar nosh will be represented, including pork barbecue, corn dogs, burgers and bratwurst, and a "cakery" will offer confections such as homemade fudge and chocolate-dipped desserts for an additional fee.

The festival has also added a vegetarian stand to serve the noncarnivores in attendance.

Those who want to drink without worrying about how they'll get home should bring a designated driver, who will be admitted for a fraction of the regular ticket price.

"We have always had the designated driver ticket," Santini said. "We want to be responsible and make sure everyone gets home safely."

Retail vendors will be selling everything from women's jewelry to neon bar signs, and local musicians will be playing at three locations on the grounds. Darry Miller & The Veil, MiZ, Mark DeRose and Toy Soldiers are among the acts scheduled to perform.

One of BrewFest's most popular events, the home-brew competition, continues to grow.

"When we started, we had 50 entries, and last year we had 188," Santini said. "We expect around 200 this year."

Because of the sheer volume of beer that has to be consumed by the judges, the competition is spread throughout the day. The winning brewer will get to work with Mount Hope's brewmaster and enter the beer in a national pro-am competition.

New to this year's festival is a raffle to benefit Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Tickets cost $5, or three for $10, and prizes will be donated by the the merchant vendors.

Santini said she's looking forward to BrewFest because it attracts a knowledgeable crowd with discerning opinions about beer.

"We give each attendee a scorecard so they can rate the beers and take notes," Santini said. "This is a feel-good festival, especially if you enjoy craft brews and unique beers."

BrewFest will be held in two sessions, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Mount Hope Estate & Winery, north of Manheim on Route 72, just south of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Tickets are limited and cost $40 in advance or $45 at the gate. Designated driver tickets cost $15. Tickets can be purchased online at parenfaire.com or by calling 665-7021, ext. 231.