Since 1991, the Cincinnati International Wine Festival has been raising much-needed funds for Cincinnati charities, all through the celebration of the wine industry. All types of organizations have benefitted from this event: in fact, 36 Greater Cincinnati arts, education and health and human charities have been on the receiving end of this amazing fundraiser.
With Kroger as their presenting sponsor, the Wine Festival features over 700 wines from more than 200 wineries across the globe. Attendees can experience wine tastings, winery dinners, education sessions, silent auctions and more, with half of every ticket purchased directly benefitting local charities.
The Cincinnati International Wine Festival kicks off on Thursday, March 8 at 6:30pm, with 18 fine dining restaurants across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky hosting winery dinners; each ticket includes food, wine pairing and gratuity. Then on Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10, the fun continues with wine tastings and education sessions about those tastings at the Duke Energy Convention Center; and concludes on March 10 with a charity auction and lunch at the Hilton Netherland Plaza. You can buy tickets to all festival events at www.winefestival.com; tickets will also be available at the door for a higher cost.
“Our goal at the wine festival is to keep giving back locally, one glass at a time,” said Cincinnati International Wine Festival Executive Director, Debbie Dent. “There truly is something for everyone here, at nearly every price point. Whether you’re looking to enjoy an exclusive dinner at one of Cincinnati’s finest restaurants, or you want to just taste wines and learn about their origin, you are invited to join us. Come explore and sample our vast array of wines, all for a great cause. Not only will you have an incredible time, you will be helping us support the charitable needs of our community.”
This year’s honorary chair is Darioush Khaledi, an award-winning and industry-leading winemaker from Iran. He and his wife founded Darioush Wines in 1997 in Southern Napa Valley, CA; Khaledi is a civil engineer and a lifelong entrepreneur, and the opening of his winery was the realization of his American Dream.
Want to help such organizations as Art Links, Children’s Home of Northern KY, Cincinnati Ballet, Dress for Success, Freestore Foodbank, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati, Special Olympics Hamilton County and Women Helping Women, amongst many, many others? Come downtown, enjoy unique and rare wines, delicious food, and revel in the Cincinnati Skyline – and be a part of a world-class fundraiser that is second to none.