FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Frank Guglielmi (734) 844-2781
frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
Michigan’s Finest Wines and Cheeses are Paired Up and Put to the Test
Grand Rapids, Mich. (August 5, 2010) – Looking for that perfect locally-produced wine to compliment the Michigan Bleu Gorgonzola cheese you will be serving your dinner guests? Then you should attend the 2010 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition being held at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing, Mich. on August 5, 2010 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Through the collaborative efforts of the Grape and Wine Industry Council of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Cheese Makers Cooperative and the MSU Kellogg Center award-winning Michigan wines will be paired with local cheeses and hors d’oeurves prepared by the Kellogg Center's chefs to be sampled by aficionados and novices alike.
“Meijer is honored to be a sponsor of the Gold Medal Wine Reception,” said Mark Murray, president of the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based supercenter chain. “This event was a natural fit for us as we are the number one wine retailer in the state of Michigan. We have committed to sourcing considerably more locally-produced products with local growers and creameries to offer the finest and most delicious wines and cheeses produced in our state. It just makes good sense that we support the communities where we do business and serves as a tremendous benefit to local economies.”
Michigan’s wine, grape and grape juice products and their related industries produce nearly $790 million of economic value to the state and account for more than 5,000 jobs across Michigan.
The Michigan Cheese Makers Cooperative was developed with the assistance of The Michigan State University Product Center for Agricultural and Natural Resources to promote the tremendous cheeses made in the state by creameries using Michigan milk. Several of the producers are nationally-recognized award winning Artisan and Farmstead cheese makers.
The Gold Medal Wine Reception is a great opportunity to taste the extent of quality from Michigan's vineyards and cheese makers. Many winning winemakers and owners will be on hand to discuss their wines and share a glass with attendees. The general public is welcome. Tickets are $40 and are available from the MSU Kellogg Center. Please call 517-432-4000 to purchase tickets.
About Meijer
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 196 stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. As the inventor of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Meijer customers can find additional information on Meijer and shop for more at www.meijer.com.
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