Midwest Culinary Institute students showcased their skills at the Cinti International Wine Festival

Students, staff, and faculty members representing Cincinnati State’s Midwest Culinary Institute were part of the Cincinnati International Wine Festival 2024  “Grand Tasting” event held March 8 and 9 at Duke Energy Convention Center.

The Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year from throughout the U.S.

The Cincinnati State booth offered a variety of “dessert shots” to Festival attendees, with treat names such as Citrus Sunrise, Green Tea Strawberry Surprise, Lavender Passion, Macchioto Mi Amore, Don’t “Trifle” With Me, and several more!

Visitors to Cincinnati State’s booth also received information about degree and certificate programs in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Brewing Science, and Hospitality. 

Chef Michael Vanfleet, who coordinated Cincinnati State participation for the Festival, expressed appreciation to the volunteers who assisted:

• Chef Betsy LaSorella guided the Pastry Arts students in preparing the 3,000 desserts needed for the three sessions at the Wine Festival (see photos below).
• Faculty and staff members helped distribute treats and information during the Festival, including Chef Greg Skibinski, retired Chef Jeff Sheldon, Wednesday Oster, Paula Kirch-Smith, and Joseph Baker.
• Student helpers from the Culinary and Pastry programs included Taylor Czirr, Santana Finnell, Daphne Glazer, Tanner Guy, Peg Jula, Tessie Luck, Carmie Maloney, Kristiana Mckinstry, Hazel Meza, Katrina Morgan, Elizabeth Orr, Courtney Schmidt, and Justin Thompson.
• MCI Operations Manager Jay Zwerin helped with delivery and logistics.
• College Marketing Director Jackie Norton provided materials to distribute.

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

• Over the past 30 years, the Festival has become one of the largest premier wine events in the country, raising more than $7 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.