Cleveland Wine Festival presented by Giant Eagle June 26, 2009

The fourth annual Cleveland Wine Festival presented by Giant Eagle returns to Voinovich Park in downtown Cleveland on June 26 and 27.

The event offers a variety of tastings, food and wine education, and cooking demonstrations by some of the region’s top chefs in a fabulous setting along Lake Erie. Festival guests can taste from a selection of more than 250 international, domestic and Ohio wines from more than 40 wine exhibitors and enjoy food from some of Northeast Ohio’s finest restaurants. The festival main stage will showcase live musical entertainment throughout the two-day event.

“This relaxed wine tasting event is designed not only for the novice wine consumer just learning about the world of wine, but also for the experienced wine drinker looking for new and exciting brands,” said event organizer Scott Janess of inPLAY EVENTS. “We’re excited about bringing the festival back to downtown Cleveland.”

The festival will feature the E&J Gallo Winery Tasting Pavilion -- highlighting a variety of Gallo brands -- and the Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines Village.

A new event at this year’s Wine Festival is the Belgian Beer Café presented by Stella Artois. Special guest and Master Beer Sommelier Marc Stroobandt will highlight the natural affinity between Belgian beer and fine food. This includes educating attendees on proper beer pouring techniques, the importance of using the right glassware as well as offering food pairing ideas for Belgian beers Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe.

The entertainment stage will feature top musical acts, beginning on Friday with the Kim Massie Band from 8:30-10:00 pm. On Saturday, the Dayna Malow Band will perform from 3:30-5:00 pm. and the Michael Heaton Band will wrap up the festival from 6:30-8:00 pm.

The Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center is featuring a special “Sip, Savor and Sleep” package (available June 26 and 27 only) which includes: Concierge Room accommodations (1 king or 2 double beds), high floors with city and lake views, concierge lounge access, breakfast for two in the concierge lounge or in David's Restaurant, valet parking, a featured bottle of wine in room upon arrival, and two tickets to the Cleveland Wine Festival including an exclusive cuisine sampling with the Marriott's Executive Chef at the Festival Call 216-696-9200 for reservations and details.

Wine Festival tickets are $25 per person in advance (purchase by 6/25/09) or $30 at the door. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, a festival program, food and wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment and an opportunity to order wine at the event.

Designated driver admission tickets are $10 in advance or at the door and include non-alcoholic beverages, a program, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment and a souvenir wine glass upon departure. Designated drivers are highly encouraged. Guests under 21 are free when they are accompanied by a paid adult. Group ticket packages are available for $22.50 per person for groups of 15 or more. Group tickets include all of the benefits of the regular adult ticket.

The festival’s proceeds will benefit the Bright Side of the Road Foundation. The non-profit organization was founded by Clevelander Barry Winovich to help find a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the devastating disease commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Festival hours are Friday from 4:00-10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 1:00-8:00 p.m. To purchase tickets online or for more event details, visit www.clevelandwinefestival.com or call 888-210-0074.

The 2009 Cleveland Wine Festival is sponsored by Giant Eagle, Fiji Artesian Water and Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center, with support from the following media partners: WKYC TV 3, Q104, Cleveland Magazine, Scene Magazine, The Wine Buzz and Metromix Cleveland.

Official Website: http://www.clevelandwinefestival.com