Grand Tastings
More than 700 new, rare, and exciting wines from more than 200 wineries around the world are available to sample, while guests enjoy delicious food samples and the opportunity to participate in the silent auction. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or an intrigued beginner, winemakers and winery representatives welcome you as they pair their useful knowledge with exquisite samples of their art.
Admission ticket to the Grand Tasting includes the wine sampling, a keepsake Riedel wine glass (valued at $15), food samplings and access to wine industry representatives and experts from around the globe.
FESTIVAL UPDATE – COVID-19 STATEMENT
UPDATED Thurs., 3/12 – Events originally taking place at the Duke Energy Convention Center and the Hilton cancelled.
For more information, please read here
Transfers/refunds response due no later than March 27, 2020.
Due to the high volume of calls and emails, we thank you for your patience in response times.
2020 Materials
2020 Tasting Guide (presented by Cincinnati Magazine)
2020 Festival Map
2020 Festival Booths – Numeric Order
2020 Festival Booths- Alpha Order
2020 Collectors Tasting Room Wines (presented by Justin Doyle Homes)
Location:
Duke Energy Convention CenterGrand Ballrooms, 3rd Floor
525 Elm Street; Cincinnati, OH 45202
Grand Tastings
| Day(s) | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Friday Evening | 7:00 – 9:30 PM | $75 in advance, $80 day of event |
| Saturday Afternoon | 2:30 – 4:30 PM | $70 in advance, $75 day of event |
| Saturday Evening | 6:30 – 9:00 PM | $85 in advance, $90 day of event |
The Collectors Tasting Room (add-on ticket)
Presented by:
Enjoy 7 tastes of high-end wines for one hour only prior to each Grand Tasting. Requires the purchase of a Grand Tasting ticket. Please arrive 15 minutes prior.
| Days(s) | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Friday Evening | 6:00-7:00 PM | $40 in advance, $45 day of event (Plus the cost of a grand tasting ticket) |
| Saturday Afternoon | 1:30-2:30 PM | $40 in advance, $45 day of event (Plus the cost of a grand tasting ticket) |
| Saturday Evening | 5:30-6:30 PM | $40 in advance, $45 day of event (Plus the cost of a grand tasting ticket) |
Education Sessions (add-on ticket)
New to wine, or just want to make the most out of your Grand Tasting experience? Join some of the most knowledgeable wine educators in Cincinnati for a one-hour education session prior to each Grand Tasting. Requires the purchase of a Grand Tasting ticket. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
| 2020 Topic | Day(s) | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old World vs. New World | Friday Evening | 6:00-7:00 PM | $30 in advance, $35 day of event (Plus the cost of a grand tasting ticket) |
| Sake for the Intrigued Beginner | Saturday Afternoon | 1:30-2:30 PM | $30 in advance, $35 day of event (Plus the cost of a grand tasting ticket) |
| Off The Beaten Path | Saturday Evening | 5:30-6:30 PM | $30 in advance, $35 day of event (Plus the cost of a grand tasting ticket) |
2020 Friday Evening – Old World vs. New World: Presented by Kathy Merchant, DipWSET, French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Scholar and Certified Specialist of Wine. Do you know how to spot the differences in tradition or terroir? Learn how winemaking practices and regional climates around the world greatly affect the taste of wine, and how the varying styles both have wonderful things to offer.
2020 Saturday Afternoon – Sake for the Intrigued Beginner: Presented by Mary Horn, Level III Advanced Sommelier and Certified Sake Professional. Expand your horizons, and learn how to drink sake like a pro! You’ll learn how it’s made, how to taste and appreciate it, and why it works in your world. You’ll never be afraid of sake again.
2020 Saturday Evening – Off The Beaten Path: Presented by John F. “Jack” Keegan, Certified Wine Educator and Certified Bordeaux Educator with 25-years of teaching viticulture and enology at Miami University. The typical stars such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir will not be our focus in this session. Instead, we’ll explore some hidden gems from around the globe that you’ve probably never heard of nor tasted. We all know that the world of wine is a delightful journey, so take the road less traveled.
Silent Auction
Sign up to bid on terrific auction lots of wine and more! Three auctions throughout the weekend – one Friday evening, one Saturday afternoon and one Saturday evening.
Friday evening: https://FridayWine.givesmart.com
Saturday afternoon: Coming soon!
Saturday evening: https://SaturdayWine.givesmart.com
