Midwest Culinary Institute participated in Cincinnati International Wine Festival

Students and faculty members representing Cincinnati State’s Midwest Culinary Institute (MCI) were part of the Cincinnati International Wine Festival “Grand Tasting” event held May 20 and 21, 2022, at Duke Energy Center.

The Cincinnati State/MCI booth offered special “treat bags” to Festival attendees, along with information about Cincinnati State degree and certificate programs in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Culinary & Food Science, Brewing Science, and Hospitality.

A total of 3,000 treat bags were distributed, with six desserts in each bag: a chocolate truffle, two dried meringues, two butter nest cookies, and a vanilla chocolate shortbread cookie.

Chef Michael Vanfleet, who coordinated Cincinnati State participation for the Festival, said Wine Festival attendees were “thrilled with the treats.”

Chef Betsy LaSorella, the Program Chair for the Culinary, Pastry, and Brewing Science programs, thanked Chef Vanfleet for his hard work organizing MCI participation, and thanked the faculty and students for taking time to support the programs and increase scholarship opportunities for future students through Wine Festival grants.

The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is a non-profit organization that raises funds for local charities while supporting the wine industry.

During the past 30 years, the Festival has become one of the largest premier wine events in the country, raising more than $6.5 million in funds for grants.

Grants have been made to over 30 Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky organizations (including Cincinnati State) that provide programming for the arts, education, and health and human services.