I posted Wednesday about the first Columbus wine festival, which is taking place this weekend at Franklin Park Conservatory. I had a chance to check it out last night and I must say… mmm.
You know when you’re six years old and your parents take you to Toys R Us and everything is so magical and perfect? That’s kinda like the Columbus Wine Festival, for grown-ups!
For $30, you get 10 wine tickets (though to be frank most of the vendors didn’t take my ticket so you can stretch your tickets if you’re smart about it!), a ticket for a full glass of Stella Artois, Hoegarden or Leffe on the Belgian beer patio, and a souvenir wine glass and program. Plus, entertainment. Here’s what’s on tap for today:
1:30-2:00 Executive Chef Dave Maclennan, LATITUDE 41
2:10-2:40 The Barefoot Sangria Challenge
3:00-4:30 Erin Bode Band
4:50-5:20 Mark Leonard, Antares Wine Company, “Super Value Wines” Blind Tasting
5:30-6:0 Olivier Kielwasser, Giant Eagle, Market District Wines
6:15-7:45 Michael Heaton Band
Of the over 150 wines available at the festival, my favorite wine was actually the first one I tried: A Strawberry wine from St. James Winery. Also highly enjoyed the Raven Rouge semi-sweet red from Ohio’s own Raven’s Glenn, Hazlitt 1852 White Cat semi-sweet white, and the Heritage Link DivasUncorked Chardonnay.
There are neat wine-pairing foods (buy the Melting Pot’s $3 chocolate platter. Trust me) and accessories you can try and buy there, too, like a product called Vineyard Fresh which prevents wine from oxidation.
Additional tasting coupons at the festival are 10 for $5. Designated Driver tickets are $10, and under 21’s are admitted free when accompanied by paid adult. And per a question that came up on Twitter, you DO have to purchase either the $30 pass, the $10 DD pass or be under 21 with an adult to get in.
The festival runs today from 1-8 today, and today is the LAST DAY, and my recommendation is that you jump in the car right now and get ready for some winin’ fun.
For more info, check out www.columbuswinefestival.com or call 888-210-0074.
