CHICAGO, Ill. (Aug. 31, 2010) — inPLAY EVENTS, a Chicago-based corporate events company which produces eight wine festivals across the Midwest, will host two exciting wine tasting festivals in the Chicago area this September featuring wines from around the globe.
The sixth annual Windy City Wine Festival, presented by U.S. Bank, returns to downtown Chicago at its new location — Buckingham Fountain, in the center of Grant Park at Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway (500 S. Columbus Drive), Friday, Sept. 10 and Saturday, Sept. 11, for an unforgettable celebration of wine, food, music and friends.
A week later, the eighth annual Naperville Wine Festival, presented by Invesco, returns to the historic Naper Settlement, located at 523 S. Webster Street in Naperville on Friday, Sept. 17 and Saturday, Sept. 18.
Set in the shadow of the breathtaking Chicago skyline, the Windy City Wine Festival features more than 250 international and domestic wine varieties, presented by 45 festival vendors.
“We are thrilled that U.S. Bank will be the presenting sponsor for the Windy City Wine Festival for the next four years,” said Lynn Rosinsky, Chicago Market President, U.S. Bank. ”It will be a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty of Lake Michigan and Buckingham Fountain with friends and great wines, food and music.”
“We’re pleased to welcome U.S. Bank as the presenting sponsor of our sixth annual festival in one of Chicago’s most beautiful festival locations with an international selection of new wine blends,” said Scott Janess, president of event organizer inPLAY EVENTS. “The relaxed setting takes the fear and mystery out of learning about wine. Our festival is the perfect opportunity for everyone from the wine enthusiast to novice to walk away with a new appreciation for wine.”
Festival guests at both events will have the unique opportunity to interact firsthand with wine makers and brand experts. To complement the wine, fine restaurants from the Chicago area will be on site selling their gourmet specialties. Windy City Wine Festival restaurants will include: Aria Restaurant, Caoba Mexican Bar & Grill, Markethouse, Palermo’s Pizza, Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, Sullivan’s Steakhouse and The Melting Pot, and Naperville Wine Festival restaurants include Buckingham’s Steakhouse and Lounge, Caoba Mexican Grill and Bar, GityGate Grille, Heaven on Seven, Le Chocolat Bouchard, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Palermo’s Pizza, PRIME BurgerHouse, SugarToad and Sullivan’s Steakhouse.
Interactive wine seminars and cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and wine experts will educate guests on new recipes and the best food and wine pairing ideas.
Beer lovers will enjoy the Belgian Beer Café — a beer garden experience within the festival presented by Stella Artois and featuring ample sampling of Stella Artois, Leffe and Hoegaarden beers. A special guest at the Windy City festival — Bart Vandaele, owner/executive chef of Belga Café in Washington, D.C. — will highlight the natural affinity between Belgian beer and fine food as well as educate guests on proper beer pouring techniques, the importance of using the right glassware and food pairing ideas for Belgian beers.
The entertainment stage at each festival will feature live music with Chicago folk rock singer Michael McDermott and The Michael Heaton Band.
Hours for each event are Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. Alcohol sampling and sales end 30 minutes prior to closing each night.
Adult Wine Tasting Tickets are $25 in advance (when purchased online by midnight the Thursday prior to each event) and $35 at the gate. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass, 10 tastings, a Festival Program and food and wine demonstrations and musical entertainment. Additional tasting coupons may be purchased at the festival.
Designated Driver Tickets are $10 in advance or at the gate. This ticket includes two non- alcoholic drinks, a Festival Program, food and wine seminars, access to cooking demos, musical entertainment and a souvenir wine glass upon departure. Attendees under 21 are admitted for free when accompanied by a paid adult. For groups of 15 or more, tasting tickets are discounted to $22.50. To purchase group tickets, order 15 or more tickets online or call 877-772-5425.
Tickets can be purchased online at windycitywinefestival.com or napervillewinefestival.com or by phone at 877-772-5425. Please note an additional fee applies for phone orders. Phone center hours are 8:00am to 9:00pm Central time – 7 days a week. Tickets will also be available for purchase
on-site on the day of the festival.
A portion of the Windy City Wine Festival proceeds benefits Grant Park Conservancy, and a portion of the Naperville Wine Festival proceeds benefits The Naperville Area Humane Society.
The Wine Discount Center is offering fantastic discounts when ordering wines at the festival. Patrons who place their order on-site will receive 25% off the purchase of 12 bottles of the same wine and 10% off the purchase of six bottles of the same wine. Orders can be picked up at any Wine Discount Center location.
In addition to U.S. Bank, the Windy City Wine Festival is sponsored by: Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden, Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal LLP, Fletcher Jones Audi, Black Box Wines, Wine Discount Center, AirTran Airways, WILV 100.3 FM, Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois, Pepsi, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Grant Park Conservancy and Chicago Park District.
In addition to Invesco, the Naperville Wine Festival is sponsored by: FIJI Water, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden, Wells Fargo Advisors, Wine Discount Center, Continental Audi, Holiday Inn Select, Naperville Magazine, Whole Foods Market, The Daily Herald, WLIV 100.3FM, Grand Victoria Casino, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, SugarToad and CityGate Grille.
For more details, visit windycitywinefestival.com and napervillewinefestival.com.
About inPLAY EVENTS
The Windy City Wine Festival and Naperville Wine Festival are produced and managed by inPLAY EVENTS, a corporate events and marketing consulting company known for consistent quality and exceptional creativity.
Each year, inPLAY produces eight wine festivals across the Midwest and has a strong charitable presence at each event. Visit the company on the web at inplayevents.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mary Patton
Cell: 216-214-3951
mary@pattonpr.com
Digital Photos and Event Logo Available Upon Request
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