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Get Tipsy at Chicago's Windy City Wine Festival

September 10, 2009 at 11:36 AM | by | Comments (0)

Oprah's massive Magnificent Mile block party—where more than 20,000 people showed up to see celeb guests like the Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Hudson and James Taylor—is a tough act to follow. But only three days later, on Sept. 11 and 12, another outdoor event will hit downtown Chicago, the Windy City Wine Festival.

Instead of a roster of A-list musicians, the fifth annual festival will offer a lineup of more than 250 domestic and international wines being poured in Grant Park's Daley Bicentennial Plaza. The fest will also have interactive wine seminars. Master Sommelier Serafin Alvarado, director of wine education for Southern Wine and Spirits of Illinois, will discuss new recipes and the best food to pair with your red or white.

Speaking of food, there'll be cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and wine experts, such as chefs Scott Walton and Thomas Rice of Markethouse Restaurant. Hearty Boys Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith, from the Food Network's Party Line With The Hearty Boys, will also do a cooking demo. Maybe the guys will show us how to make a dish from the menu at Hearty, their new Chicago restaurant set to open on Nov. 4.

Aside from the clinking of wine glasses and drunken laughter, you'll also hear live jazz, blues and light rock from local bands on a music stage. Don't forget to scarf down a "cheezborger" from the legendary Billy Goat Tavern or get some Mexican from Zocalo's booth.

Wine-tasting tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. The price includes a souvenir wine glass and 10 tastings. If 10 tastings aren't enough, winos can buy additional $5 tasting coupons at the festival to get another 10 samples. The fest encourages drinking responsibly, so designated driver tickets are available for $10 in advance or at the gate. The DD ticket gets you everything a regular admission would, except in lieu of tastings, you'll receive two non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone at (847) 382-1480.

Related Stories:
· Chicago dances to Oprah's tune [Chicago Tribune]
· Chicago Travel [Jaunted]

[Photo: Windy City Wine Festival]

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