Master Beer Sommelier Marc Stroobandt headlines Cleveland Wine Festival's Best of Belgium Cafe

July 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Mark your calendars for the seventh annual Cleveland Wine Festival presented by Giant Eagle which returns to Voinovich Bicentennial Park in downtown Cleveland on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28, 2012.

The festival offers a variety of tastings, food and wine education and cooking demonstrations in a relaxed, scenic setting on the shores of Lake Erie. Festival guests can sample from more than 270 wines from around the world – including Ohio wines – and learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts.

Back by popular demand is the Best of Belgium Café presented by Stella Artois, featuring Belgian beers Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe Blonde and Leffe Brune. Special guest and Master Beer Sommelier Marc Stroobandt, a Belgian Beer Ambassador with The F&B Partnership in the United Kingdom, returns to highlight the natural affinity between Belgian beer and fine food as well as educate festival guests on proper beer pouring techniques, the importance of using the right glassware and food pairing ideas for the featured Belgian beers.

Some of the area’s best restaurants will sell their signature dishes, including Morton’s The Steakhouse, Angelo’s Pizza, Das Schnitzel Haus, and Scott’s Fire & Ice Catering.

In addition, the Entertainment Stage will showcase live music by Lloyd Dobler Effect throughout the two-day event.

Adult Wine Tasting Tickets are $28 in advance and $35 at the door. There are no handling or processing fees for online orders. This ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, and the opportunity to purchase wine at a discount.

Additional tasting coupons may be purchased at the festival. Designated Driver Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. This ticket includes two non-alcoholic drinks, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, and a souvenir wine glass upon departure. Those under 21 admitted free when accompanied by paid adult.

Sponsors of the 2012 festival are:  Cadillac, U.S. Bank, Stella, Leffe, Hoegaarden, Oliver Winery, W.J. Deutsch & Sons, and 14 Hands Vineyards. Media partners include:  Cleveland Magazine, Cleveland.com, Cleveland Scene, Q104 and WDOK/Cleveland’s New 102.

The festival’s proceeds will benefit the Bright Side of the Road Foundation. The non-profit organization was founded by Chagrin Falls resident Barry Winovich to help find a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the devastating disease commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.  

Radisson Hotel Cleveland is offering a special "Sip, Savor & Sleep" package featuring:  Overnight accommodations for two; Parking; a Bottle of wine; breakfast; and, Admittance for two to the Cleveland Wine Festival. Call 216-377-9000 for details.

The 2012 Cleveland Wine Festival is produced and managed by inPLAY EVENTS, a corporate events and marketing consulting company known for consistent quality and exceptional creativity.

Festival hours are Friday from 4:00-10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 3:00-9:00 p.m. For more details, visit http://www.clevelandwinefestival.com or call 847-382-1480. Or, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/clevelandwinefestival and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/clewinefest.