WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 20 (5-10pm) | Friday, Nov. 21 (4pm-10pm) | Saturday, Nov. 22 (Noon-10pm)
WHERE: DeVos Place, Downtown Grand Rapids. With over 80,000 square feet (nearly 2 acres) inside the elegant Steelcase Ballroom, portions of the Grand Gallery, Riverfront Overlook and the 3rd floor.
COST: $15 – Thursday (and advanced ticket sales for Friday & Saturday); $20 – Friday & Saturday.
3-Day Pass – At $40, this option allows admission each day of the Festival and is intended for those who want to get the most out of their tasting experience. Online sales end Thursday, Nov. 20 at 5pm (Box Office sales for the pass end at 10pm on Thursday, Nov. 20).
All food and beverage samples require varied amounts of sampling tickets of 50-cent denominations (sold at the Festival). We suggest guests start with at least $20 worth of tasting tickets.
WHO: This cultural event draws more than 17,000 public and trade attendees and is the largest culinary celebration in the state (and one of the premiere festivals of its kind in the Midwest). Catering to both the connoisseur who appreciates the finest things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the culinary world, this festival delivers a grand experience that is sure to please every palette and kick off the holiday season.
NEW: RendezBREW – This rebranded expanded Coffee, Cordials and Dessert Café will be open in the Grand Gallery for the duration of the Festival. Start your Festival experience, or make it a nightcap, with unique pairings of coffee, lattes and cocktails crafted for your enjoyment with a variety of cordials, indulgent sweets and other treats.
NEW: Mobile App – Available in both the Android and Apple systems, this free app allows guests to peruse beverage lists (including notes, ratings and personalized lists), workshops/seminars, restaurant menus and also purchase admission and Pairing tickets. Download it now and plan your visit, as well as use it to navigate the Festival.
INFO: Over one hundred wineries from around the world provide samples of as many as 1200 assorted wines – including some hard to find, top shelf vintages. Also find many award-winning Michigan wines for tasting.
An increased number of distilleries, including many from Michigan, will also be showcased.
The 3rd floor Brewer’s Loft returns, showcasing beer from around Michigan, as well as national labels and imports providing tastes of their hand-crafted beverages – along with food pairings and entertainment.
The Cider House features cideries from throughout Michigan, as well as many nationally-known brands, in the Welsh Lobby on the south end of the Steelcase Ballroom.
PAIRINGS:
Take part in two special seatings (7pm Friday and Saturday) where Grower’s selections from the Champagne region of France are paired with selected cheeses, charcuterie and other small bites. Cost is $40 per person and space is limited. Reservations may be made online, or on site – space permitting.
Select restaurants partner with distinguished wineries and breweries for special Pairings – gourmet multi-course meals served on-site in a casual yet intimate “bar top” setting. Tickets are $35-$45 each and may be purchased in advance online or at the Festival on a first-come, first-served basis.
ULTIMATE DINING OPPORTUNTIES:
Additionally, chefs from the more than a dozen of the area’s top restaurants prepare and serve small plates of their culinary specialties.
SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS:
Esteemed individuals from the culinary world host demonstrations on the Meijer Food Stage. Free beverage seminars, held classroom-style in the rooms off the Grand Gallery and near the 3rd floor Brewer’s Loft, give attendees an in-depth look into the world of wine, beer and spirits. Food workshops are also offered for a unique hands-on experience.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING:
Shop the Riverfront Market for gourmet food, specialty items, wine accessories and holiday gifts including chocolates, pastas, cheeses, oils, olives, sauces, mixes, dips and more. Cash and carry or order for easy delivery.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM:
Culinary and hospitality students from Ferris State University, the Culinary Institute of Michigan at Baker College in Muskegon, the Secchia Institute of Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University work alongside industry leaders for a premier educational experience.
INFO: GRWineFestival.com | Facebook.com/GRWineFestival | @GRWineFestival (#GRWineFest14)
*Attendance at this festival is for those 21 years of age and older. ID is required for admittance.*
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