ShowSpan and The Convention and Arena Authority have spent the last three years crafting what will undoubtedly become Michigan’s premier food and wine festival, which is being served up November 21-23 in the elegance of the Steelcase Ballroom at DeVos Place.

You are invited to join in the pre-holiday festivities, where we will pair the city’s finest restaurants with vintners from throughout the world for a gastronomic and social event unlike anything Grand Rapids has seen before. This is the “must attend” culinary celebration of the year!

Admission to the Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival is $15 per person and includes your sample glass, official show program published by Grand Rapids Magazine and a list detailing all of the wines, beers, spirits and foods available for your sampling pleasure.

Sample tickets are available for purchase once you have entered the show.  Available in $0.50 denominations, we suggest you start with at least $20 worth as all food and drink samples are “purchased” with these tickets. 

This show gives you the opportunity to sample the finest wines, beers and spirits – depending on your personal preferences. And, unlike an all-inclusive fee, the ticket system encourages wineries to display their best and most exclusive brands for you, the patron to taste. 

What else can you expect throughout the weekend at the Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival?  A wide assortment of terrific educational seminars and workshops, that’s what! 

·         Wine, Beer & Spirits Stage: Hosted and coordinated by Joe Borrello of The Taster’s Guild International, this stage features wine, beer and spirit enthusiasts sharing their knowledge with you.

·         Wine, Beer & Spirits Workshops: Presented in shorter 15-minute sessions, these programs will target questions of the finer wines, beers and spirits and differences between similar products.

·         Meijer Cooking Stage: Hosted and coordinated by Angus Campbell and Robert Garlough of the Secchia Institute of Culinary Arts at Grand Rapids Community College. This stage will feature many of the area’s finest chefs who will be offering one-hour technical seminars on a variety of today’s hottest food topics. Meijer will be supplying all food products used by our fine chefs.

·         All food products used by our fine chefs will be supplied by Meijer.

·         Cooking Workshops: Located right on the show floor, these quick 15-minute demonstrations feature chefs and food specialists presenting on topics such as olive oils, cheeses, chocolates and much more.

Those looking to enhance their festival experience will want to partake in one of two “Pairings”.  At $25 per person The 1913 Room and Bar Divani will prepare a three course culinary masterpiece paired with a chef-selected wine.  We suggest that you look online in advance for the menu descriptions and times,  then go directly to the pairing locations as soon as you arrive to make your reservation.

Other special features of the festival include a focus on the wines of Perugia, Italy, a Grand Rapids Sister City.  Entertainment from some of the city’s finest musicians will be provided throughout the show.

One can expect to spend an average of $35-$50 per person at the Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival. Given the vast selection of foods, wines, beers and spirits, we think you’ll agree this is an affordable downtown entertainment option. Whether it’s an afternoon out with friends, a happy hour gathering or a date night with your significant other, this festival will deliver. 

Novices and foodies unite – anticipate…consume…savor…it’s all in good taste!

Tickets for the Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival may be purchased in advance online at www.GRWineFestival.com or during the event at either the Lyon Street or Monroe Avenue DeVos Place box offices. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age to enter.