The 6th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival – the Midwest’s premier annual pre-holiday celebration – returns to the intimate and elegant Steelcase Ballroom inside the DeVos Place, November 21-23.
Touted as one of the city’s best annual events, the festival welcomes more than 17,000 guests over the course of three days for an unparalleled experience dedicated to fine food and beverages. It’s definitely the place to be – for novice and experienced foodies alike.
New features this year include the 3rd floor Brewer’s Loft — showcasing beer from around Michigan, as well as other domestic and international brews, along with food pairings and entertainment. The Cider House highlights cideries from throughout Michigan, as well as many nationally-known brands.
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. More than a half-dozen distilleries are also expected.
Chefs from the area’s top restaurants prepare and serve small plates of their culinary specialties. The festival is the ultimate restaurant and attendees should come prepared to fill up on the wide array of small plates being served by nearly a dozen of the area’s finest eateries. They’re all so good, you’ll have a hard time choosing – so, why should you have to? Guests who leave hungry just aren’t trying hard enough!
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 $30-$45 each and may be purchased in advance online or at the Festival on a first-come, first-served basis. A word of advice – go online and make your Pairing reservations in advance, as they often sell out.
Esteemed individuals from the culinary world host free seminars, workshops and demonstrations on the Meijer Food Stage. Free beverage seminars, held classroom-style, give attendees an in-depth look into the world of wine and craft beverages such as cider, beer and spirits.
In the Grand Gallery, overlooking the Grand River, festival-goers are invited to enjoy Cordials & Desserts – featuring Lindt chocolates and desserts by YoChef’s along with brandy and dessert wines. This is a great way to start a festival experience, or make it a nightcap following an evening on the town. Live music adds to the elegant ambience of this special courtyard seating area.
Sparkling Wine and Grower’s Champagne Pairings are also planned in the balcony overlooking the ballroom, at select times on Friday and Saturday, for a cost of $25-$35 per person.
The popular Riverfront Market provides countless holiday shopping ideas – including gourmet specialty foods, gifts and accessories, like wine racks and wine coolers.
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 side-by-side with industry leaders for an unparalleled educational experience.
For details on all the exciting things going on at this year’s Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, including hours and costs, or to make reservations for Pairings and the Champagne Flight tastings, log onto www.GRWinFestival.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. .
