GR International Wine, Beer & Food Festival Returns to DeVos Place for 7th Year, Nov. 20-22

The 7th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival returns to the DeVos Place Steelcase Ballroom and Grand Gallery, November 20-22. Attracting more than 17,000 consumers and industry trade last year, this is the largest festival of its kind in the Midwest and one of the premier culinary showcases in Michigan.

As a kick-off to the holiday season, this festival offers more than 1400 wines, beers, ciders, meads and spirits for sampling throughout the The Vineyard (Steelcase Ballroom), Brewer’s Loft and Cider House. More than a dozen area restaurants feature small plate samples as well as a handful of intimate “Pairing” dinners which offer three- or four-course meals prepared and served on site, along with carefully chosen wines and/or beers. A special cordials, dessert and gourmet coffee area offers an opportunity to end the day (or evening) on a sweet note.

An impressive line-up of free workshops and seminars, led by industry leaders, are held throughout the three-day event. The Riverfront Marketplace offers samples and items for purchase as you plan for the holiday season.

More information about the featured presenters, workshops, restaurants and beverage producers will be available soon. Check back to GRWineFestival.com for the most up-to-date details.

4th Annual Great Lakes Cider & Perry Festival Planned for Sept 10 at Uncle John’s Cider Mill

More than one hundred different ciders and perries will be available for sampling from producers throughout the Great Lakes region at the 4th Annual Great Lakes Cider & Perry Festival, September 10, at Uncle John’s Cider Mill at 8614 N US 127, St. Johns – just north of Lansing. The festival is presented by the Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association.

A special VIP hour runs from 11am until Noon, which includes a special pour of cider from participating cideries and a unique cheese station featuring local and international selections. Special presentations from Pete Brown and Bill Bradshaw from England and Dick Dunn, editor of the Cider Digest, are also planned. VIP admission is $25 and also includes a commemorative glass and 10 sample pours.

General festival admission runs from Noon to 5pm. At $15 per person, regular admission includes a commemorative glass and 10 sample pours. Group tickets are also available for general admission ($25 for 2 tickets | $40 for 4 tickets | $75 for 10 tickets). The group rate for VIP is $10 additional for each VIP admission. Members of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA) and Techniques of Alcohol Management (TAM) trained staff receive free regular admission.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.greatlakescider.com/ciderfest.html

All profit proceeds from the festival benefit the Great Lake Cider & Perry Association (est. 2008). Find them online at www.GreatLakesCider.com.

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The Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association (GLCPA) is a nonprofit organization formed to showcase and promote fermented apple and pear beverages and to help educate consumers and producers about them. Our members include both commercial and non-commercial producers, as well as affiliate members located outside the region. Come join us at one of our events and discover some of the finest North American ciders and perries!