Windy City Wine Festival presented by U.S. Bank

The seventh annual Windy City Wine Festival, presented by U.S. Bank, returns to downtown Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain, in the center of Grant Park at Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway. A celebration of wine, food, music and friends, the festival will take place on Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10.

Set in the shadow of the breathtaking Chicago skyline, the Windy City Wine Festival features more than 240 international and domestic wine varieties presented by 40 festival vendors.

Festival guests have the unique opportunity to interact firsthand with wine makers and brand experts, expanding their wine knowledge and discovering the blends that best suit their taste. To complement the wine, many of Chicago’s fine restaurants, including MARKETHOUSE, Caoba Mexican Grill, Sullivan’s Steakhouse and The Melting Pot, will be on site selling their gourmet specialties. Dessert options will be available from The Great Grape and Le Chocolat Bouchard.

Beer lovers will enjoy the Best of Belgium Café, a beer garden experience within the festival presented by Stella Artois and featuring ample sampling of Stella Artois, Leffe and Hoegaarden beers. Belgium native 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 the featured Belgian beers.

“We’re pleased to partner with U.S. Bank again as the presenting sponsor of this annual festival in one of Chicago’s most beautiful locations,” said Scott Janess, organizer of the Windy City Wine Festival. “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.”

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Entertainment Stage will feature interactive wine seminars and cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs. Wine experts will educate guests on new recipes and the best food and wine pairing combinations. Plus, Windy City Live’s Mark DeCarlo, Author of “A FORK ON THE ROAD: 400 Cities/One Stomach!,” presents a culinary comedy experience at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

inPLAY EVENTS is pleased to announce that Lloyd Dobler Effect is bringing their multi-layered and upbeat music showcase from Washington D.C. to entertain festival guests both Friday and Saturday as they indulge their palates, interact with wine experts and socialize with friends.

Festival hours are Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m.  Friday night ticket sales end at 8:30 p.m. and alcohol sampling and sales end at 9:30 p.m.  Saturday ticket sales end at 7:30 p.m. and alcohol sampling and sales end at 8:30 p.m.  A portion of the proceeds benefits the Grant Park Conservancy.

Adult Wine Tasting Tickets are $27 in advance (purchased online) and $35 at the door. 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.

Designated Driver Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. 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.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.windycitywinefestival.com or by phone at 877-772-5425. Phone center hours are 8:00am to 9:00pm Central time – 7 days a week. Tickets will also be available for purchase on-site at Buckingham Fountain the day of the festival. This festival does not sell out. There are no refunds; the festival takes place rain or shine. Parking is available at the Grant Park South Garage.

In addition to U.S. Bank, the Windy City Wine Festival sponsors include BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Whole Foods, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden, SNR Denton, Fletcher Jones Audi, Rhone Valley Wines, Chicago Tribune, CBS Radio Group, Grant Park Conservancy and Chicago Park District.

For more information, call 847-382-1480 or visit www.windycitywinefestival.com. Or, follow the festival on Facebook at www.facebook.com/windycitywinefestival and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WCWineFestival.