Columbus Wine Festival presented by Giant Eagle August 7, 2009

The first annual Columbus Wine Festival presented by Giant Eagle is set for August 7th and 8th at Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., just east of downtown Columbus.

Set within the 88 acres of Franklin Park, the event offers a variety of tastings, food & wine education, and cooking demonstrations by some of the region’s top chefs in a fabulous outdoor setting.

“This relaxed wine tasting event is designed not only for the novice wine consumer just learning about the world of wine, but also for the experienced wine drinker looking for new and exciting brands,” said event organizer Scott Janess of Chicago-based inPLAY EVENTS. “We’re excited to partner with the Conservatory for our debut in the Columbus market.”

Festival guests can taste from a selection of more than 150 domestic and international wines and enjoy food from some of the finest restaurants in the Columbus area. The festival will also feature the E&J Gallo Winery Tasting Pavilion -- highlighting a variety of Gallo brands -- and the Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines Village.

Wine Festival tickets are $25 per person in advance (purchase by 8/6/09) or $30 at the door (for adults 21 and over). Admission includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, a festival program, food and wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment and an opportunity to order wine at the event.

Designated driver admission tickets are $10 in advance or at the door and include non-alcoholic beverages, a program, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment and a souvenir wine glass upon departure. Designated drivers are highly encouraged. Guests under 21 are free when they are accompanied by a paid adult. Group ticket packages are available for $22.50 per person for groups of 15 or more. Group tickets include all of the benefits of the regular adult ticket.

A portion of the festival’s proceeds will benefit the Franklin Park Conservatory, a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions and signature collections (www.fpconservatory.org). The Conservatory’s mission is to nurture plants and people and to promote environmental appreciation and ecological awareness for everyone. The Conservatory houses 400 species of plants from a variety of global climate zones.

The Columbus Wine Festival is proud to be associated with the following sponsors: Giant Eagle, Fiji Water, Heidelberg Distributing, Emerald Nuts and AirTran Airways.
Festival hours are Friday from 4:00-10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 1:00-8:00 p.m. To purchase tickets online or for more event details, visit www.columbuswinefestival.com or call 888-210-0074.

Official Website: http://www.columbuswinefestival.com