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Lake Geneva Wine festival: A toast to benefit Walworth County charities

A wide variety of wines are on display in this file photo from a recent Lake Geneva Wine Festival.

LAKE GENEVA -- Now in its fourth year, the Lake Geneva Wine Festival continues to be a celebration focused on quality for the benefit of local nonprofit organizations; Geneva Lakes YMCA, George Williams College of Aurora University, Holiday Home Camp.

Wine and culinary enthusiasts will gather on the grounds of the beautiful Grand Geneva Resort & Spa where novice and expert alike can experience the talents and tastings of acclaimed vintners and chefs in an elegantly casual and approachable setting!

LAKE GENEVA WINE FESTIVAL

Event dates: Friday, Sept. 10 and Saturday, Sept.11, 2010

All events for the 2-day festival will be held at: Grand Geneva Resort, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. All event ticketing will be available online, www.lakegenevawinefestival.com, and through the call center, (262) 245-8635, July 30 - September 8, 2010. Tickets may be purchased by adults age 21 and over. Any ticket holder unable to present valid identification will not be admitted to the event and will not be eligible for a refund.

EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

Seminar: Wine 101, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Presented by: Rex Clarke, Central U.S. Region Manager, Heck Estates

$35 per person, limited seating available

Event Description: An introductory seminar to make you an expert on wine! How are grapes grown? How is wine made? How do you pair wine with food? What makes a $50 bottle of wine different from a $5 bottle?

Seminar: Before The Party Starts, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Presented by: Chef John Bogan, Lake Geneva School of Cooking

$35 per person, limited seating available

Event Description: Even chefs enjoy a glass of wine while getting ready for the party! Learn how to transform your cooking experience into a more efficient and enjoyable one, so you too can enjoy your party. Then sample the results of Chef John’s work as you pair wine with his party cuisine.

Seminar: Wine Sense: A Blind Tasting, 4:30-5:30 pm

Presented by: Forrest Anderson, Sommelier and Principal of FMA-Food & Beverage Consultants; General Manager, Gordy’s Boathouse

$35 per person, limited seating available

Event Description: Join us for a fun and interactive blind tasting process, expanding palates and enhancing their sense of smell along the way. Distinguish the nuances of different grapes and vintages.

Friday Main Event

Celebrity Chef Quick Fire Challenge and Gala Reception, 6:00 pm

$100 per ticket

Event Description: Four Celebrity Chefs will be working in action stations while competing for a $1,000 cash prize preparing dishes all from one secret item of the day. This high energy cooking challenge and food tasting presented by the Grand Geneva Resort will be sure to arouse the senses while providing visual stimulation.

The competing chefs’ favorite tasting recipes will be paired with exceptional wines from W.J. Deutsch, Frederick Wildman, Heck Estates, and Sonoma Cutrer. A select panel of judges will taste and score the chefs to find the Ultimate Quick Fire Challenge winner.

EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Seminar: Exercise In Taste: Pairing Wine, Water & Food Flavors, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Presented by: Nicole Thurman, Key Customer Manager Premium Brands at Nestle Waters North America

$35 per person, limited seating available

Event Description: Become more aware of the flavors in food, water and wine that combine to affect the individual tasting experience. Learn how taste is processed in the mouth and discover, through a series of tasting exercises using wine, water and food ingredients, how these elements combine to impart taste. You’ll learn how to select pairings to achieve a balanced palate for optimum flavor enhancement using your own taste sensitivities!

Saturday Main Event

Grand Tasting, 12:30 - 3:30 pm

At the Grand Geneva Resort overlooking The Brute golf course

Ticket Price: $75

Event Description: Lake country views will enhance the flavor of exceptional wines from around the world paired with delectable food samplings provided by local award winning restaurants and retailers. Culinary demonstrations, exciting raffles and ongoing rounds of silent auction activities will provide afternoon entertainment. A newly enhanced marketplace will give guests the opportunity to purchase a gourmet treat or even a favorite bottle of wine!