Wine time in Cleveland
The Cleveland Wine Festival returns this weekend to Voinovich Park in downtown Cleveland.
The Friday and Saturday event, in its fourth year, will feature a variety of tastings from more than 40 exhibitors, food and wine education programs, as well as cooking demonstrations and live music.
Highlights include winemaker Joe Kidd from Sterling Vintners Collection and the Barefoot Wine Sangria Challenge. New this year is the Belgian Beer Cafe presented by Stella Artois, with master beer sommelier Marc Stroobandt offering information on pairing food and Belgian beers, specifically Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe. He'll also talk about the use of proper glassware for beer and pouring techniques.
Tickets are $25 by Thursday, or $30 at the door. Admission includes a wine glass, 10 tastings and a program, as well as the seminars, demonstrations and entertainment.
Designated driver tickets are $10 in advance or at the door and include nonalcoholic beverages. Group discounts are available. Visitors under 21 are admitted free with a paid adult.
Proceeds will benefit the Bright Side of the Road Foundation, to help find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease.
Festival hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
To purchase tickets or for information, visit http://www.clevelandwinefestival.com or call 888-210-0074.
Voinovich Park is at 800 E. Ninth St. in downtown Cleveland.
~Best viewed with a positive attitude~