The Wine:
The Cleveland Wine Festival showcases 220+ wines from all around the world, with about 25 percent Ohio wine. Vendors are set up around the park and guests have an opportunity to taste and learn about a variety of wines. This is not a snobby affair; even the wine beginner will feel welcome.The Food:
In addition to the wine, food from local restaurants will be available for tastings and for purchase. There will also be cooking demonstrations by local chefs. Participants include the Cleveland Marriott Downtown, La Dolce Vita, Fahrenheit, and Stancato's.Other Attractions at the Cleveland Wine Festival:
In addition to the wine and food, the Cleveland Wine Festival features live musical entertainment each day. Grab a glass of wine and some food and sit on the lawn to enjoy the show.Hours and Admission:
The Cleveland Wine Festival is open Friday, June 26, from 4pm to 10pm and on Saturday, June 27, from 1pm to 8pm.Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, food and wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, and live music. A $10 designated driver ticket is also available and includes two soft drinks instead of the tastings. Children under 21 are admitted free with a paid adult admission.
Parking:
Parking is available at the adjacent lot as well as across the shoreway at the Cleveland Municipal Parking lot and the Williard Park lot. There is a turn-around in front of the festival to drop off passengers.RTA's waterfront line stops within walking distance of the festival and connects to points all over town.
Buying Wine at the Cleveland Wine Festival:
Those attending the Cleveland Wine Festival have the opportunity to buy the wines featured by the bottle or by the case. Due to Ohio's wine laws, you will fill out an order form and have the wines delivered to your home or pick them up at a Giant Eagle store, one of the festival's sponsors.Hotels near the Cleveland Wine Festival:
The Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center is offering a special "Sip, Savor, and Sleep" package in conjunction with the Cleveland Wine Festival. The package includes accommodations, a welcome bottle of wine, breakfast for two, and admission to the festival. For more information on the package, see the hotel's Web site.The Cleveland Wine Festival is also within walking distance of major downtown hotels, such as the Renaissance Cleveland (check rates), the Ritz Carlton(check rates), the Holiday Lakeside (check rates). For less expensive accommodations, try one of the hotels at the I-77/Rockside Road corridor, such as the Days Inn Independence(check rates).(updated 4-24-09)
