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Nearly 350 wines on the tasting bar at Sunday’s Fleurs et Vin
DAYTON — In a two-decade span, the Fleurs et Vin and its predecessor event the Fleurs de Fete have endured a handful of venue changes, a change of name, various logistical obstacles, and a downpour or two, by focusing on what they do best: matching great food with fine wines.
That combination will be on full display again Sunday, May 22 at 1 p.m. at Carillon Historical Park, when Dayton’s premier outdoor wine-and-food festival will welcome hundreds of enthusiasts to an event that benefits Culture Works and the AIDS Resource Center of Ohio. First, the wines: there will be about 350 from which to choose, courtesy of about a dozen wine wholesalers-distributors who spend the other 364 days a year competing robustly against one another. Food will be provided by about two dozen Dayton-area restaurants, many of which serve samples of their best appetizers and dishes to impress potential new customers. And for those whose tastes veer toward hops-and-malt-based beverages, there is a craft-beer garden. The tasting runs until 4 p.m., when a live auction of wines, wine-themed items and local art will begin.
There is one new logistical wrinkle this year, according to festival spokeswoman Lisa Grigsby: because of construction on the grounds of Carillon, the public entrance for cars will be off of Carillon Boulevard, NOT South Patterson Boulevard. Those approaching the park from the south on South Patterson Boulevard will drive past the park’s usual entrance to the traffic light at Carillon Boulevard, where a left turn will lead to the event parking lot.
Advance tickets for the event are available for $60 at Arrow Wine, Bella Vino Wine Merchant, Bruning’s Wine Cellar, Cuvee Wine Bar, Rumbleseat Wine Bar, The Wine Gallery, Jerardi’s Little Store, Miami Valley Wine & Spirits, A Taste of Wine and The Wine Loft. Tickets at the gate are $70.
Here are some Fleurs et Vin “survival tips” from an event veteran that have stood the test of time:
— Arrive early. The opening line is long, but event organizers cannot start serving before 1 p.m. because of Ohio laws.
— Wear comfortable shoes — leave the stilettos for another occasion when you’re not tromping around in grass and mud.
— When you’re poured a sample of wine, and there’s a line of folks with empty glasses behind you, step out of the way so the line can keep moving.
— Go slow on the wine consumption, and drink lots of water. And if you don’t like a wine, or just want a small sip, use the “dump” buckets on the wine tables — that’s what they’re there for.
— Stay for the live auction. It can feature some rather entertaining bidding wars. And drink some more water while you’re watching.
How to go
What: Fleurs et Vin wine and food festival
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 22 (Live auction begins at 4 p.m.)
Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton
Cost: Tickets are $60 in advance, $70 at the door
More info: www.fleursetvin.com
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