(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich) – More than a dozen esteemed industry leaders from the wine and beer worlds will again present in-depth tasting seminars at the 2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival. The pre-holiday celebration takes place November 12-14 inside the elegance of the 40,000-square-foot Steelcase Ballroom inside DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. These tutored seminars will be held in a quiet classroom-like setting on the upper level of the DeVos Place, where specialists, professional educators, critics, winemakers and brewmasters present tasting and comparative experiences. The seminars are a very special opportunity to experience the taste, aroma, color, clarity and finish of wines and beers from Michigan and around the world while enhancing your knowledge from specialists in the industry. There is a $15 fee for each beverage seminar, which covers the cost of the samples poured. Each presentation is limited to 40 attendees and tickets will be available online at www.GRWineFestival.com (“Buy Tickets”), beginning October 23 or at the Festival, space permitting. This year’s beverage tasting seminars include: Thursday, November 12 6:00pm Seminar Room A Diversity of Sonoma County
by Scott Lindquist, Constellation Wines, Michigan On-Premise Manager
Hosted by Henri A. Fox Sales Seminar Room B Flavor Profile of Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand's Marlborough Region Presented by Ken Abraham of Pernod Ricard USA Hosted by Kent Beverage 7:30pm Seminar Room C Celebrate the Season with Michigan Sparkling Wines Presented by Larry Mawby, L. Mawby Vineyards Seminar Room D One Hour Wine Expert Presented by Brian Cain Hosted by Great Lakes Wine & Spirits Friday, November 13 6:00pm Seminar Room A Limited Production, Boutique Wine Seminar
Presented by Peter Woods, CSW, Fine Wine Manager for the Signature Collection of Henry A. Fox Sales Company Seminar Room B Regions and Wines of New Zealand Hosted by Kent Beverage 7:30pm Seminar Room A Sample Delicious Fre (Alcohol-Removed) Cocktails from the Liquid Muse Presented by Natalie Bovis-Nelson, Renowned Mixologist and Author of the Book "Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-to-be" Hosted by Henry A. Fox Sales Seminar Room C International Riesling Foundation Presented by Sean O'Keefe, Chateau Grand Traverse & Bryan Ulbrich, Left Foot Charley Seminar Room D Red Wines of the Mediterranean - Description of the Mediterranean Climate, Cultures & Wine Making Traditions Presented by Brian Cain Hosted by Great Lakes Wine & Spirits Saturday, November 14 1:30pm Seminar Room A Exploring the Varietal Types of California through Barefoot Wine Presented by Evan Roarty-Collins, The "Moe-Toe", Barefoot Wines Hosted by Henry A. Fox Sales Seminar Room B Micro Brews Presented by Fred Bueltmann of New Holland Brewing Co. Hosted by Kent Beverage Seminar Room C Michigan's World Class Rieslings Hosted by Fenn Valley Vineyards 3:00pm Seminar Room Michigan Cab Franc Presented by Coenraad Stassen, Brys Estate & Brian Hosmer, Chateau Chantal Seminar Room D One Hour Wine Expert Presented by Brian Cain Hosted by Great Lakes Wine & Spirits Seminar Room E California's Emerging Premium Wine Regions: Looking for the Next Napa Presented by Cecil Robbins Hosted by Paw Paw Distributors 4:30pm Seminar Room A I Love Pinot Noir, Seriously Presented by Kimberly State, CSW, Fine Wine Specialist for the Signature Collection of Henry A. Fox Sales Company Hosted by Henry A. Fox Sales Seminar Room B The Development of Northern Michigan Wines Presented by Brian Bulles and Bob Jacobson Hosted by Kent Beverage 6:00pm Seminar Room C Pinot's of SW Michigan, Red, White and Sparkling Presented by Chris Moersch, Round Barn Winery Seminar Room D Defining Quality - Why is one bottle $10 and another $100 or more? Why can you buy one wine anywhere? Why can you only find certain wines at major wine sellers? What are the components of quality? Presented by Brian Cain Hosted by Great Lakes Wine & Spirits Seminar Room E A Tour of Premium Australian Wines Presented by Bradford Hammerschmidt Hosted by Elite Brands of Michigan 7:30pm Seminar Room A Exploring Viticulture in the Alsace Region of France Presented by Dominique Schoenheitz, Schoenheitz Winery Hosted by Henry A. Fox Sales Seminar Room B New World Cabernet Sauvignons vs. Old World Cabernets Presented by Michael Smith, Premium Wine Specialist for Kent Beverage The 2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival is expected to draw some 10,000+ individuals throughout the three days, making it the largest food and wine festival in the state and one of the premier events of its kind in the Midwest. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of wine, food and other culinary delights, the International Wine & Food Festival in Grand Rapids delivers a grand experience that is sure to please every palette. For more information about the 2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival: www.GRWineFestival.com or 800-328-6550. |