The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival is the perfect way to indulge your palate this holiday season! Taking place November 21-22 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, the Festival offers attendees the chance to explore over 1,200 wines, beers, ciders, and spirits (with a focus on both international selections and local Michigan favorites), in addition to a progressive dinner experience with small plates from dozens of local restaurants and specialty food vendors.
We caught up with ShowSpan’s Dawn Baker, the Festival Associate Producer, to learn more about what folks can expect this year.
West Michigan Woman: How would you describe the International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival to someone who has never been before or perhaps just moved to town?
Dawn Baker: It’s a pre-holiday celebration, where the city’s restaurants and specialty food makers, along with vintners, brewers, distillers, and craft beverage makers from throughout the world, come together for a gastronomic and social event unlike anything else in the Midwest!
WMW: What can community members expect to enjoy at this year’s festival?
DB: Each year, new food and beverage offerings are highlighted at the Festival, along with many favorites and trending flavor profiles.
WMW: Is there anything new or particularly exciting folks should know about?
DB: This year, a few celebrities are going to be a part of the Festival:
Isiah Thomas, owner of Cheurlin Champagne & Detroit Pistons NBA Champion Hall of Famer, will share his experiences with champagne during three Tasting Sessions, “The Cheurlin Experience.” Explore four varietals as this tasting (led by Isiah), pairs each vintage with nibbles from the JW Marriott’s Restaurant, Margaux. Seating is limited to 50 seats at each session, one on Friday and two on Saturday.
In addition, we’re also welcoming Stephen Tulloch, owner of Circle House Coffee, as he will be joining three Tasting Sessions. In “Sober Curious: Mocktails and Simple Swaps” and during “Made in the Mitten,” Circle House Coffee will be featured in a mocktail or cocktail by none other than Stephen himself. This former Detroit Lions linebacker discovered the power of coffee as a key element to fueling his day. His passion and drive came together as he curated coffee blends you can choose to enjoy at the Festival.
WMW: What is it about this Festival that you think makes it a stand out on people’s calendars each year?
DB: This event is “edu-tainment” at its best, offering an immersive experience where attendees can be educated about global food and beverages while being entertained!
WMW: Anything additional you’d like for people to know that we perhaps haven’t touched on?
DB: If you have a foodie on your holiday shopping list, you can stock up on culinary themed gifts specifically at, but not limited to, the Meijer Marketplace. Festivalgoers will also find a wide variety of gourmet items including popcorn, dips and dry mixes, sauces and spices, salad dressings, smoked meats, honey, mouth-watering baked goods, kitchen cutlery and cookware, specialty candy and dried fruits, loose leaf teas, potato chips, and so much more. Exhibitors will also be featuring wine glass charms, jewelry, cookbooks, cigars, boutique items and other stocking stuffers. For those looking for experiential gifts, there will be a handful of caterers and tour companies on hand promoting custom dinners and trips to global culinary destinations with gift certificates available.
Learn more by visiting the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival.
