Columbus Wine Festival presented by Giant Eagle

Event Details

The annual Columbus Wine Festival presented by Giant Eagle is set within the 88 acres of Franklin Park and offers a variety of tastings, food & wine education, and cooking demonstrations by local chefs in a fabulous outdoor setting.

"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 Chicago-based inPLAY EVENTS.

Festival guests can taste from a selection of more than 150 domestic and international wines and enjoy food from some of the finest Columbus area restaurants, including Latitude 41 Bar and Restaurant.

Another component to the festival is the Belgian Beer Café presented by Stella Artois. Bart Vandaele, owner/executive chef of Belga Café in Washington, D.C., will highlight the natural affinity between Belgian beer and fine food as well as educate guests on proper beer pouring techniques, the importance of using the right glassware and food pairing ideas for Belgian beers Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe.

The musical entertainment line-up includes: Kim Massie Band at 8:15 p.m. on Friday; Erin Bode Band at 3 p.m. on Saturday; and, Michael Heaton Band at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday.

Wine Festival tickets are $25 per person in advance (purchase by 8/6/09) or $30 at the door (for adults 21 and over). 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 Franklin Park Conservatory, a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions and signature collections (www.fpconservatory.org). The Conservatory's mission is to nurture plants and people and to promote environmental appreciation and ecological awareness for everyone. The Conservatory houses 400 species of plants from a variety of global climate zones.

The Festival is proud to be associated with the following sponsors: Giant Eagle, Fiji Artesian Water, Heidelberg Distributing Company, The Columbus - A Renaissance Hotel, Emerald Nuts, AirTran Airways and WOW! Media partners include: Columbus Alive, The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Monthly, WBNS-10TV, Metromix Columbus and The Wine Buzz.

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 website or call.