GR Wine, Beer and Food Festival returns for 17th year

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — You’ll be able to take a trip around the world under one roof in Grand Rapids through food and drink. 

The 17th annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer and Food Festival is back at DeVos Place and there are more than 1,200 different wines, beers, spirits and more that you can try at the event. 

The show features almost 80 Michigan producers and has tasting sessions and demonstrations. There are also six different restaurants for pairings and more than 20 different small-plate restaurants.

It started Thursday night with a V.I.P. Event. It runs Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

The event is for people 21 years old or older and tickets are $25 per person. You’ll get an electronic armband that you can fill with tasting tickets, those credits are $0.50 each. 

Dianna Stampfler, the publicist for the festival, said the event is a way to bring the food and drink industry together under one roof and give people a unique experience.

“We’re really excited to bring the public in today and tomorrow and just really celebrate all of the things that we love about eating, drinking and hanging out with friends,” Stampfler said.

For vendors like David Ringler, the festival also gives them a chance to reach new customers and show off their products. 

“It’s a chance to pair beverage and food, it’s a chance to try something new, maybe a chance to visit a few old favorites, so it’s always a lot of fun,” Ringler, with Cedar Springs Brewing Company, said. 

You can find more information and where to get tickets here.