The 17th Annual Cincinnati International Wine Festival kicks off with thirteen winery dinners in some of the area's finest restaurants on March 22. The winemakers and chefs will present a multi-course dinner paired with distinguished wines accompanied by shared knowledge, experience and passion. Ticket prices start at $100.

The Grand Tastings, the centerpiece of the festival, will move to the elegant Grand Ballroom on the 3rd floor of the newly completed Duke Energy Center in downtown Cincinnati. One hundred and thirty-five wineries will serve over five thousand guests who will sample award-winning wines and mingle with famous winemakers. Participating wineries include Wente Vineyards, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Beringer Vineyards, Rombauer Vineyards, Penfolds and Chamaree' Wines. In addition to gourmet food and live music, guests at the tastings will receive a Tasting Guide and a Riedel wine glass.

The festival is honored to have Carolyn Wente from Wente Family Estates serve as Honorary Chair for the Grand Tastings. She is a dynamic representative of the California wine industry and has been chosen as one of "The Leading Women Entrepreneurs in the World for 2002," receiving her award in Paris in April of that year.

The popular Linton Chamber Music Series will return on Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. for a one hour "Taste of Linton" prelude to the Grand Tastings. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Principal Flutist, Randolph Bowman; David Ferrara, Guitarist, and members of the Azmari String Quartet will be performing.

New this year is a fun-filled Charity Auction & Luncheon on Saturday, March 24, in the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza's regal Hall of Mirrors. The live, theatre-style auction will include a phenomenal catalog of limited- release bottlings, winemaker-signed large format bottles, rare wines, chef's table dining opportunities, as well as exotic trips to places like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Italy and California. The auction will be followed by a special luncheon prepared by the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza's chef, Brian Cable. Winemakers and Winery Principals will present spectacular wines from around the world.

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