My wife and I on the advice of friends took advantage of the Medal Winners first.  Smart move as about two hours in your palate definitely becomes less discriminating.

It was great to see several local wineries representing the Festival well, including Valley Vineyards, Chateau Pomije, and Burnett Ridge.

The Cincinnati International Wine Festival was an absolute blast, and please make sure you add 2011 to your calendar today!  It really is phenomenal we have a wine event of this magnitude in Cincinnati, and much deserved credit to the hard working folks at the Cincinnati Wine Festival that make it all happen.

Each March the Duke Energy Convention Center is transformed into a wine tasting and celebration of epic proportion.  600 wines…130 wineries…live music…amazing food.  It’s a tough event to miss!  Founded by Russ Wiles in 1991 the Festival strives to promote the wine industry while raising money for local charities.  Since its founding the Festival has raised $3 million for local charities.

This year’s event looks very impressive as the Cincinnati Wine Festival celebrates its 20th year.  The Festival is made up of three main events:  the Winery Dinners, the Charity Auction and Luncheon, and of course the Grand Tastings.  Details below:

Winery Dinners
10 of Greater Cincinnati’s Finest Restaurants
Thursday, March 11, 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $125 – $150

Charity Auction & Luncheon
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Hall of Mirrors
Saturday, March 13
9:30 a.m. Reception and Auction Lot Preview
11:00 a.m. Live Auction
Winery Luncheon immediately following
Tickets: $125

Grand Tastings
Duke Energy Convention Center
Friday, March 12, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 13, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 13, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $60 – $75

Special Tasting Room
Duke Energy Convention Center
Friday, March 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 13, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35 plus the purchase of a Grand Tasting ticket

Michael Mondavi, a well-known name in the wine industry, will serve as the 2010 Honorary Chair. Michael is the Founder of Folio Fine Wine Partners, an importer/producer of quality wines from the world’s premiere and emerging wine regions. Michael began his career in 1966 when he co-founded the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley with his father, Robert Mondavi. After holding many leadership roles within the company Michael established Folio in 2004 with his wife and their children. Over the years, Michael has been recognized as an industry leader and has received numerous awards. These awards include; “Who’s Who in Food and Wine” award by the James Beard Foundation in 1998, and the “World of Food and Wine” Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.

For more information please visit the Cincinnati International Wine Festival website.