Lake Geneva’s Grand Geneva hosts Wine Festival Sept. 11-13

From press release

LAKE GENEVA, Wis.—Fine wines and fine dining, highlighted by a weekend of educational seminars and a fine wine and luxury auction overlooking the rolling hills of Lake Geneva, Wis., uncorks Friday, Sept. 11, at the Grand Geneva hotel. The three-day festival supports the needs of children, families and education in the Lake Geneva community.

Friday, Sept. 11

The festival begins late Friday afternoon with seminars by chef John Bogan of the Lake Geneva School of Cooking; Ellen Flora, senior wine ambassador and educator; and Todd Cromwell, one of only a few Americans to receive the distinguished title of Cavaleiro, Confraria do Vinho do Porto (Knight in the International Port Wine Society). Topics will range from party preparation to exploring the Domaine Chandon Wines from Napa Valley to demystifying port.

The journey continues with an Epicurean World Tour of cuisine presented in action stations and prepared by Grand Geneva Executive Chef Robert Fedorko. Featured will be the wines of Möet Hennessy from Italy, France, South America, Australia and Napa Valley. Pat Mangan from Möet Hennessy and Ms. Flora from Domaine Chandon will showcase the wines while Sean Petrie, regional sales manager of Riedel USA, will discuss the art of decanting.

Saturday, Sept. 12

Saturday will feature continued seminars featuring master sommelier Nicola Biscardo, who will share the wines, history and local folklore of the most famous Tuscan villages; and the integral relationship between wine and food presented by Chef Joel Chesebro and Brian Lynch of Wilson-Daniels winery.

In keeping with tradition, Saturday’s main event will be the “Grand Tasting & Fine Wine/Luxury Auction,” presented outdoors overlooking The Brute golf course.

Guests are invited to enjoy samplings from the tables of award-winning area restaurants accompanied by the talents of the festival’s wine-makers. A specialty food marketplace will be highlighted, along with on-stage chef demonstrations featuring: Chef Patrick Cassata of The Bank Restaurant, Wheaton, Ill.; Chef Dudley Nieto of Eivissa, Chicago and Chef Christina Machamer, 2008 winner of the popular television series Hell’s Kitchen. A fine wine and luxury lifestyle auction will be held in conjunction with the Grand Tasting.

Sunday, Sept. 13

The festival’s final day begins with the Grand Champagne Brunch, offering delicious views of the countryside and an optional nine holes of golf on Grand Geneva’s Scottish-style course, The Highlands.

The Lake Geneva Wine Festival concludes with celebrity Chef Christina Machamer, winner of FOX TV’s Hell’s Kitchen, who will present a sampling menu and demonstrate the innovative techniques that helped her eliminate the competition to capture the crown in the 2008 unscripted culinary TV series.

The Lake Geneva Wine Festival benefits three local non-profit organizations: Geneva Lakes YMCA, George Williams College of Aurora University and Holiday Home Camp, all of which support the needs of children, families and education in the Lake Geneva community.

A detailed schedule of events and tickets for the 2009 Lake Geneva Wine Festival can be found online at www.lakegenevawinefestival.com. Overnight packages starting at $150 per person are available by calling Grand Geneva at (800) 558-3417.

For more information about the Grand Geneva or for reservations, call (800) 558-3417 or visit www.grandgeneva.com.