One thing I discovered last year at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival is that in addition to purchasing tickets to admission, you also need to purchase tasting tickets. However, if you’re a cheapskate like me, you can scope out the sessions which feature tastings that DON’T require tickets.
Word of warning: Arrive early, as this is West Michigan and everyone else will have the same idea!
Here is a list of the sessions offering free beverages at this weekend’s festivities (Nov 18-20).
Thursday, November 17
6:30pm Seminar Room E Wine 101
Presented by The Wine Counselor® Michael Schafer, Sommelier
7:00pm Seminar Room C Exploring the Diverse Opportunities of Blended Red Wines
Presented by David Stanley, Wine & Beverage Steward, Meijer Cascade
7:30pm Seminar Room D A Taste of 150 Years of Brewing Expertise
Presented by Ted Marti, A. Schell Brewery
8:00pm Seminar Room F Beer – Belgium’s Beautiful “Wine”
Presented by Latis Imports
8:00pm Seminar Room E Marvelous Malbec
Presented by The Wine Counselor® Michael Schafer, Sommelier
Friday, November 18
5:30pm Seminar Room E Marvelous Malbec
Presented by The Wine Counselor® Michael Schafer, Sommelier
**Deputy Consul, Mr. Juan I. Camino Bavasso of the Argentine Consulate will address attendees of this seminar.
6:00pm Seminar Room C The Wines of Concannon
By John Concannon, 4th Generation Vintner, Concannon Vineyard
6:30pm Seminar Room D Wines of Argentina
Presented by Tom Doran, Davis Wine Company
7:00pm Seminar Room F Donati Family Vineyards - “California’s Oldest Overnight Success”
Presented by Mark Donati
7:30pm Seminar Room E Fundamentals of Food & Wine Pairing
Presented by The Wine Counselor® Michael Schafer, Sommelier
8:00pm Seminar Room C McSorley’s Beer
Presented by Mike Finn
8:30pm Seminar Room D New and Emerging Michigan Wines
Presented by St. Julian Winery
9:00pm Seminar Room F Grilling Local…With Beer
Presented by Arcadia Ales & The Grillin’ Guys
Saturday, November 19
2:00pm Seminar Room C The Wines of Washington
Presented by Chip Davis
2:30pm Seminar Room D What’s New
Presented by Dave Engbers, Founders Brewery
3:00pm Seminar Room E Wine 101
Presented by The Wine Counselor® Michael Schafer, Sommelier
4:00pm Seminar Room C New World vs. Old World Wines, What is Your Style?
Presented by David Stanley, Wine & Beverage Steward, Meijer Cascade
4:30pm Seminar Room D Chocolate and Beer
Presented by Fred Bueltmann, New Holland Brewery
5:00pm Seminar Room E Marvelous Malbec
Presented by The Wine Counselor® Michael Schafer, Sommelier
5:30pm Seminar Room F Donati Family Vineyards - “California’s Oldest Overnight Success”
Presented by Mark Donati
6:00pm Seminar Room C The Wines of Concannon
By John Concannon, 4th Generation Vintner, Concannon Vineyard
6:30pm Seminar Room D New Wines of Portugal
Presented by Michael Smith, Kent Beverage Company
7:00pm Seminar Room E Fundamentals of Food & Wine Pairing
Presented by The Wine Counselor® Michael Schafer, Sommelier
7:30pm Seminar Room F Brewing with the Best Regional Ingredients
Presented by The Boston Beer Co.
8:00pm Seminar Room C The History of 4 Classic Breweries - Sam Smith, Lindeman, Orval
and Ayionger
Presented by John Stanton - MDV
The 4th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & 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 premiere 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, Beer & Food Festival in Grand Rapids delivers a grand experience that is sure to please every palette.
For more information about the 4th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival:www.GRWineFestival.com or 800-328-6550.
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