Lake Erie Wine Country hosts Wine & Cheese Weekend April 21-23

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Stuart Miles

Lake Erie Wine Country kicks off the 2017 season with their annual Wine & Cheese Weekend event, taking place Friday through Sunday, April 21-23. Ticket holders can visit any or all of the 22 participating wineries, where they will enjoy a special wine paired with food samples created with Yancey’s Fancy cheeses.

This year, each winery has chosen a country around which they developed their food and wine pairing. Countries including Austria, Mexico, Poland, Trinidad and India will be represented. There is a diverse and delicious array of food offerings for this year’s “international” cheese and wine event. Streusel Kuchen, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, Grape Chutney, and Bavarian Cheddar Ale Soup are just some of the food samples that can be savored along with the perfect complementary wine.

Tickets are now on sale for Wine & Cheese Weekend at only $38 per person; one ticket is good for all three days. They may be purchased online at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org before Tuesday, April 18 at 10 a.m. Tickets are usually sold-out before this deadline, so advanced purchase is necessary. 

A designated driver ticket is available for only $20 and includes everything but wine. Friday and/or Sunday only tickets are only $28 each. This entitles ticket holders to enjoy all of the benefits of the event on Friday and/or Sunday only, but not on Saturday. As in the past, ticket holders will receive a food and wine pairing sample at each winery, additional wine tastes, a wine glass, recipe booklet, $5 voucher for wine purchase, and this year, a gift of another $5 voucher.

Ticket holders plan their own itinerary, enjoying each winery on a self-guided tour on Friday from noon-6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Wine & Cheese Weekend will kick-off a busy 2017 tourist season in the region. Throughout the summer, the 22 individual wineries will host their own special events that include free concerts in the vineyards, vineyard walks, festivals, winemaker’s dinners and other exciting event offerings. Special events for all wineries are listed at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org. There are also listings for lodging, dining, transportation and other area attractions.