Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer and Food Festival
Kristin Coppens
| 3 min read
In five short years, the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer and Food Festival has grown to become the largest culinary event in the state. The festival boasts the very best in wines, beers, restaurants, culinary professionals and more. From personal experience, the festival is hands down one of the best events Grand Rapids offers with beer, food, wine, spirits, music, and other goods.
The 2012 edition of the festivall kicks off at the DeVos Place Convocation Center in downtown Grand Rapids this Thursday, November 8th from 5pm to 10pm., Friday, November 9th from 4pm to 10pm, and Saturday, November 10th from 12pm to 10pm. Admission to the festival is $15 per ticket, plus $.50 per sampling ticket. Purchase festival tickets through the website and purchase your sampling tickets at the door. Individuals under the age of 21 will not be permitted. Download a floor plan of the festival to plan what vendors you’d like to visit, and more.
The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival offers a number of different features throughout the course of the event. From seminars, to food workshops, to music and a craft beer hall, the festival welcomes both connoisseurs and novices alike. The featured wine, beer, and spirits are from both Michigan locations and national/international companies. Though subject to change, you can view a list of the featured wine, beer, and spirit types, names, and vendors here.
In addition to the plethora of libations present at the festival, a number of local West Michigan restaurants and food vendors will be scattered about to complement your drink samples. The restaurants handing out samples include: Cygnus 27 (inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel), Monkey Bar at the B.O.B., Fifth Third Bank Vault (inside Van Andel Arena), Bar Divani, FireRock Grille, The Melting Pot, San Chez, Cornicopia (inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel), six.one.six (inside the JW Marriott Grand Rapids Hotel), Reserve, JU Sushi & Lounge, and Twisted Rooster. There will also be fun food pairings available at certain times during the festival. Additional tickets are required for the pairings and can be purchased here.
The festival also features a number of seminars and workshops throughout the 3-day event aimed at education, as well as a fun experience for all involved. Specialists in the industry will perform seminars and tastings. Additionally, there will be music, a craft beer hall, and a riverfront market. The market is perfect for the holidays with gourmet foods, specialty items, and high-end kitchen accessories.
Purchase your tickets here and don’t miss out on Michigan’s best and largest culinary experience!
What are your favorite Michigan wines, beers, and spirits?
Photo credit: Showspan
