Glass Half full
It’s a good thing there will be plenty of wine, because there’s a lot to celebrate as the Cincinnati International Wine Festival celebrates its 35th anniversary and its return to the newly-renovated First Financial Center, 525 Elm St., with more than 700 wines from around the world.
The festival begins with winery dinners on Thursday, followed by grand tastings and programs on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7. Exciting NEW experiences include
Sip, Swirl, Savor, Spit: Wine Tasting 101 — A fun, accessible 20-minute session walking attendees through the fundamentals of wine tasting, from how to hold the glass to what you're actually smelling and tasting.
Wine Not? Three Trends to Try — A curated spotlight on some of the most exciting wine trends right now, perfect for curious drinkers looking to explore beyond their usual pour.
Toast & Post Lounge, a spot for sipping, shining and snapping festival moments with champagne bubbles, beautiful backdrops and even the chance to walk away with diamonds thanks to Genesis Diamonds.
The Slam: A Live Sommelier Challenge — The festival's first-ever competitive sommelier event puts expert sommeliers head-to-head in a live, timed challenge — and the audience gets to sip along. (Saturday night only.)
On Saturday, the festival holds an auction and luncheon at Mercantile Immersive. The special morning includes a champagne reception with passed appetizers and a 3-course luncheon paired with wines from a visiting winery. As you enjoy the food and drink, you can bid with gusto on rare lots of fine wine, exciting trips and exclusive experiences during silent and live auctions in support of more than 30 local nonprofits.
This year’s Honorary Chair is John Giannini. A California native with more than 15 years of experience crafting premium cabernet sauvignon in Napa Valley, Giannini trained in general viticulture at Napa Valley College, he brings both technical expertise and deep family-rooted passion for wine–first inspired by his Italian father and grandfather.
Before joining Mount Veeder Winery as winemaker, John spent 12 years at Outpost Wines working alongside renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. There, he managed up to 70 fermentations a year across cabernet sauvignon, cabernet fanc, zinfandel, pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, contributing to multiple 100-point Schrader Cellars wines.
As the winery celebrates its 50th anniversary, John is committed to capturing the rugged character of this high-elevation appellation. Festival-goers will taste the results in his expressive, mountain-grown wines.
The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is a nonprofit organization proudly supporting more than 30 local nonprofits. To date, the festival has raised over $8 million for community organizations. This 35th anniversary celebration brings world-class wines and unforgettable experiences to downtown Cincinnati while making a lasting impact on the Greater Cincinnati area.
Founded in 1991, the Cincinnati International Wine Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting wine appreciation and raising funds for local nonprofits. The festival proudly supports more than 30 local nonprofits throughout Greater Cincinnati. To date, the festival has granted over $8 million to community organizations.
Tickets available at winefestival.com