Exciting changes are on the menu at the 2026 Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, November 20-21 at DeVos Place.
A full palate of food and beverage selections will be spread out inside Exhibit Halls A & B, creating a lively epicurean setting in which to sample at a casual pace.
Among the new offerings are the 25-minute Sip & Savor sessions hosted by Moersch Hospitality Group including “Michigan in a Glass,” “Holiday Host School,” and “One Bite. Your Pour.” The Bourbon Bar offers guests the opportunity to enjoy premium selections in an intimate setting focused on craftsmanship, flavor, and hospitality. With the Craft & Cask Workshops, guests will spend 10-15 minutes learning simple mixology techniques, experimenting with flavors, and creating a delicious and totally unique cocktail. This is a perfect make-and-take experience for aspiring bartenders and casual enthusiasts. Paid reservations are required for these upgraded experiences.
The Soaring Eagle Casino Tiki Lounge — showcasing Cocktails, Culture, and Flavor — and the Meijer Tailgate Zone are also new features to check out.
Pairing Dinners are back, with five regional restaurants (Archival Brewing, MDRD, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, KNCO Dining and Trust GR) serving intimate, limited-seating four- to seven-course epicurean experiences. Nearly two dozen Small Plate restaurants will be serving globally inspired fare while specialty foods in the Meijer Marketplace will also be showcased — including the opportunity to purchase things like salsa, pizza dough kits, salty snacks, gourmet bread and more — which are sure to make great stocking stuffers for the foodie on your holiday list. Did we mention the shopping bag check? No need to carry around all your culinary treasures all night, we’ll gladly hold onto them for you until you’re ready to head home.
On the beverage side, more than one thousand different wines, beers, spirits and even non-alcoholic beverages will be available for sampling, including an expanded Elite Collection selection. Wine Tasting Tasting Sessions offer an exclusive chance to gain insights from skilled sommeliers and Winemakers while tasting through incredible varietals. Most sessions last around 20 minutes, offering 3-6 samples at varied price points, reserve your seat, only 40 per session.
As always, we’re proud to offer hotel packages with Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and the JW Marriott. Park in Lot 9, off Seward, and take the free Festival Trolley shuttle to limit the parking hassles.
Those looking for an even more memorable experience which leaves a lasting impact should join us Thursday, November 19 for our “Cheers for Charity” culinary celebration benefitting Hospice of Michigan’s Specialized Veterans Service.
For details, admission tickets, and reservations for featured activities, visit GRWineFestival.com.
