The 17th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival returns this week to kick off the holiday season, offering an unmatched celebration of culinary delights, beverages, and unforgettable experiences. On Thursday, Nov. 21, the event kicks off with the Cheers for Charity fundraiser. Then, from Friday, Nov. 22 to Saturday, Nov. 23, DeVos Place will be the epicenter for local and international wines, craft beers, spirits, ciders, and tantalizing small plates.
Since its launch in 2008, the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival has grown to be the largest and most celebrated event of its kind in the Midwest. The festival boasts an exceptional array of beverages to sample. Guests will be treated to 1,200 options from around the world, all under one roof in designated areas. In The Vineyard (Steelcase Ballroom), wine enthusiasts can indulge in a showcase of unique, hard-to-find wines— “The Elite Collection.” Beer lovers can head to Beer City Station (Hall C), where they’ll find a diverse mix of local, domestic, and international brews. For cider aficionados, Cider Row (Hall C) features both local and national offerings. In The Barrel Room (Welsh Lobby), Michigan’s finest craft spirits take center stage, while Rendezbrew (Grand Gallery) tempts with rich coffees and decadent desserts. Additionally, a new Grand Gallery area will offer a variety of non-alcoholic options, with more available in both The Vineyard and Beer City Station. Local music acts Chris Corey Duo, Dutcher Snedeker, and the Fred Knapp Trio will fill the air with live performances, creating a festive and lively vibe that’s perfect for mingling with fellow food and drink lovers.
For those looking for an intimate experience, six regional restaurants will host exclusive Pairing Dinners on both Friday and Saturday. These four- to six-course meals, served tableside by top chefs, will highlight the best of Michigan’s culinary offerings, paired perfectly with specially selected beverages. Participating restaurants include Archival Brewing, Grand River Ballroom at San Chez, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, MDRD, Noodle Pig Ramen Shop, and Trinity Health Grand Rapids. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at GRWineFestival.com.
Guests can also indulge in 24 different small plate options from local eateries throughout the festival. Participating restaurants, marked by yellow knife and fork signs, invite attendees to sample their culinary creations as they explore the festival’s diverse flavors.
This year’s festival places a special focus on Michigan’s craft beverages. The “Vineyard” will feature an elite collection of Michigan wines, while Beer City Station showcases a range of local and national brews. The Barrel Room highlights Michigan craft spirits, and Cider Row presents both local and national cider options. For those with a sweet tooth, the Grand Gallery will host Rendezbrew, a space dedicated to coffees and decadent desserts, as well as non-alcoholic beverage options.
New this year is the World Street Lounge, presented by Soaring Eagle Casino, located in the Secchia Lobby. This interactive space will feature a 360 Photo Booth, small plate offerings from Adobo Boy, and beverages from Reyna’s Michelada Mix. Guests can also try their luck with the Red Envelope Promotion, where prizes range from $60 to $1,000 in free Premium Play at Soaring Eagle.
For the ultimate tasting experience, exclusive Tasting Sessions are available at The Vineyard and Beer City Station. Led by sommeliers, cicerones, and mixologists, these intimate sessions offer guests a deeper dive into their favorite wines, beers, and spirits. With only 24 seats available per session, these tastings are sure to sell out quickly. Sessions are priced from 10 to 40 tasting tickets, depending on the beverage.
The Michigan Wine Collaborative will also host “Taste Michigan Invades GR,” a weeklong celebration of Michigan’s thriving wine industry. Attendees can sample award-winning wines at the Michigan Governor’s Cup booth, participate in wine pairing dinners, and learn about the DREAM wine initiative. The Michigan Wine Foundation and GRNoir will also showcase the state’s best wines throughout the event.
Tickets and More Information
General Admission tickets are just $25 per person, per day. Festival hours run from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, and from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. Guests can purchase tasting tickets for 50 cents each, redeemable for both food and beverage samples. Tickets are available online or at the event.
For tickets, Pairing Dinner reservations, Tasting Session details, and a full schedule of events, visit GRWineFestival.com.
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