Cincinnati International Wine Festival – partially cancelled

Partial Cancellation:

In accordance with updated recommendations at the state and local level today regarding preparedness and response to COVID-19, the Cincinnati International Wine Festival is now cancelling the Grand Tastings, Education Sessions and Collectors Tasting Room events that were planned as part of the 2020 Cincinnati International Wine Festival.

These public events were scheduled for Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

However, some limited seating events that are part of the festival will continue as planned, including the Winery Dinner Series set to be held at 14 restaurants across the city on March 12 at 6:30 p.m., and the Charity Auction & Luncheon, set for Saturday, March 14 at the Hilton Netherland Plaza.

Visit winefestival.com to read today’s statement from wine festival leadership regarding these cancellations.

The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is a charitable, non-profit organization founded in 1991 to promote the wine industry and raise funds for local charities. The festival continues to grow each year and has become one of the largest, premier wine events in the country. Your participation enabled the festival to distribute $406,000 in grants in 2019 to 35 Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area charities supporting the arts, education, health and human services. In total, more than $6 million has been granted over the last 29 years. (All attendees must be 21 to enter and prepared to show photo ID. )Thank you for your help in “Giving Back One Glass at a Time”.

Winery Dinner Series:
Visiting wine experts from around the world team up with our area’s finest chefs in their restaurants to create incredible multi-course dining experiences with wine pairings. Meet the winery hosts, learn the story of their wines, and savor the skillful harmony of fine wine and masterful cuisine. Restaurants, wineries, and menus will be listed as they are confirmed. Please keep checking back for updates!

All dinners begin at 6:30 pm on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

Grand Tastings:
More than 700 new, rare, and exciting wines from more than 250 wineries around the world are available to sample, while guests enjoy delicious food and view the silent auction offerings, which raise additional funds for the local beneficiaries. Whether a seasoned expert or an intrigued beginner, winemakers and winery representatives welcome guests as they pair their useful knowledge with exquisite samples of their art.

Friday Evening (March 13, 2020) 7:00 – 9:30 PM $75 in advance, $80 at the door
Saturday Afternoon (March 14, 2020) 2:30 – 4:30 PM $70 in advance, $75 at the door
Saturday Evening (March 14, 2020) 6:30 – 9:00 PM $85 in advance, $90 at the door
*Minimal processing fees apply for all credit card payments. Half of the ticket fee is tax deductible. Please consult tax professional.

The Collectors Tasting Room (add-on ticket)
Want VIP access? Enjoy 7 tastes of high-end wines for one hour only prior to each Grand Tasting. Requires the purchase of a Grand Tasting ticket. Please arrive early.

Friday Evening 6:00-7:00 PM $40 in advance, $45 at the door (Plus the cost of a Grand Tasting ticket)
Saturday Afternoon 1:30-2:30 PM $40 in advance, $45 at the door (Plus the cost of a Grand Tasting ticket)
Saturday Evening 5:30-6:30 PM $40 in advance, $45 at the door (Plus the cost of a Grand Tasting ticket)
*Minimal processing fees apply for all credit card payments. Half of the ticket fee is tax deductible. Please consult tax professional.

Education Sessions (add-on ticket)
Want more out of your Grand Tasting experience? Gain exclusive access, and join some of the most knowledgeable wine educators in Cincinnati for a one-hour education session prior to each Grand Tasting. Please arrive early. Sessions for the 2020 event will be announced in late 2019.