Wine & Food Festival LLC and The Convention and Arena Authority are once again pairing up for what undoubtedly has become Michigan’s premier gastronomic and social event.  The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival returns to the Ballroom at DeVos Place, Thursday through Saturday, November 17-19, 2011.

You are invited to sample from more than 1,000 wines, beers and spirits from around the world along with mouth-watering offerings from the city’s finest restaurants.  Stroll the Riverfront Market to shop for accessories, gifts and specialty food items.  This is the “must attend” pre-holiday celebration!

What changes can you expect for year four?

·         The finest array of restaurants yet.

·         An improved Michigan Craft Brew Hall, now in its second year.  Stop by and sample from dozens of these full flavored brews produced by small, independent and traditional brewers.  Sponsored by the Michigan Brewers Guild.

·         An enhanced Riverfront Market featuring many specialty and artisan booths.

Admission to the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival is $15 per person and includes:

·         Your sampling glass and official festival program, published by Grand Rapids Magazine, containing a detailed list of wines, beers, spirits and foods available for your tasting pleasure.

·         All seminars in our wine, beer & spirits seminar rooms.

·         All seminars at the Meijer Food Stage.

·         All food workshops.

Tasting tickets are available for purchase in 50¢ denominations.  We suggest you start with at least $20 worth, as all restaurant and drink samples are “purchased” with these tickets at various prices. 

This festival gives you the opportunity to sample from more than 1,000 of the finest wines, beers and spirits – depending on your personal preferences.  And, unlike an all-inclusive fee, the ticket system encourages wineries to offer their best and most exclusive brands for you to taste.

What else can you expect throughout the weekend at the Festival?  A wide assortment of terrific educational seminars and workshops, that’s what! 

• Wine, Beer & Spirits Seminar Stages - Hosted and coordinated by Joe Borrello of the Taster’s Guild.  These complimentary tutored seminars will showcase wines and beers from specific countries and regions.

• Meijer Food Stage – Presentations on this stage will focus on the upcoming holidays offering a variety of topics from perfect holiday appetizers to beautiful holiday desserts.

• Food Workshops - These quick 15-minute demonstrations feature chefs and food specialists presenting on topics such as olive oils, cheeses, chocolates and much more.

• Wine & Food Pairings - Those looking to enhance their festival experience will want to partake in one of these unique experiences.  At $30 - $45 per person, chefs from Bar Divani, Tre Cugini, Six.One.Six., San Chez and Reserve will prepare a three-course culinary masterpiece, paired with chef-selected wine.
  

Entertainment from some of the city’s finest musicians will be provided throughout the Festival.

Novices and foodies unite!  Anticipate…consume…savor…it’s all in good taste!