The inaugural
Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic will be held September 12-13 in
Washington Park. The two-day event features big-name chefs, sommeliers and cocktail authorities from Cincinnati and across the country.
Eighty chefs and food writers are slated to participate so far, including Jean-Robert De Cavel, Daniel Wright, David Falk, Molly Wellman and dozens of other notable local food-industry stars.
Founded by Donna Covrett and Courtney Tsitouris, the Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic is a celebration of the Midwest as a longstanding destination for food, beer and spirit excellence.
The Classic will include two completely different grand tastings on Friday and Saturday evening. Friday celebrates Cincinnati’s “Porkopolis” heritage with Pork Chopped, a competition judged by Andrew Knowlton of
Bon Appétit, Keith Pandolfi of
Saveur, and
Top Chef Masters judge Francis Lam.
Saturday’s grand tasting will celebrate Cincinnati’s finest dining. Culinary demonstrations, wine and spirit seminars, panel discussions, chef competitions, book signings and a Rising Star brunch take place Saturday morning and afternoon; and five individually themed VIP after-parties at downtown venues will cap off both evenings.
A portion of proceeds will go to the
Freestore Foodbank, the event’s nonprofit partner.
Here, Boca and Sotto's David Falk shares his insights on the Cincinnati restaurant boom. Check back for more video's featuring the event's local talent.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.