Fleur et Vin

Twenty years ago Vail Miller, Sr of Heidelberg Distributing and Mike Frank of Arrow Wine got together to plan an event that would make drinking wine more fun and less formal.  They figured if they could convince folks to have a glass of wine with dinner at home they’d both make more money.  They also agreed that the event should benefit their local community and that’s how Fleurs was created.  The event has continued to flourish and now the 2nd generation of Vail Miller, Jr and Mif Frank are at the helm of Dayton’s Premier Wine and Gourmet Food Festival.

On Sunday, May 20th from 1- 4pm at Carillon Park, 24 restaurants will be on hand to compliment the over 300 wines that will be served up by local distributors. Restaurants scheduled to participate include: Amber Rose, Brock Mastersons, Carvers, Central Perc, Christopher’s, Culp’s Cafe, Dark Horse, De’Lish, Dewey’s Pizza, Giovanni’s, Hawthorn Grill, Jay’s Seafood, LeDoux’s, Louisiana Grille, Mamma DiSalvo’s, Meadowlark, Neil’s Heritage House, Oakwood Club, Sa Bai, Scratch Event Catering, Thai 9, The Dock, Top of the Market and The Wine Loft,

As you arrive you’ll be handed a plate and souvenir Fleurs et Vin wine glass.   The tent is set up so you can

grab a plate, and then cross over to the middle where the wines are and match up  wine to compliment your food.   Wine will be poured by area distributors,  as well as  VIP’s from Firelands Winery, E & J Gallo, Easley Winery, St Michelle Wines, Veleta Winery, Treasury Wine Estates and perhaps a few more. Take advantage of these experts knowledge to learn about their wines and ask for recommendations.

Several years ago a Belgian Beer Tent was added to the event, and this year you’ll be able to sample Leffe- sweet and silky beer with aromas of clove, vanilla and smoky caramel, Hoegaarden-a Belgium white, Stella Artois- a European-style pilsner, Duvell- a strong golden ale, Ommegang Hennepin- a hoppy, farmhouse-style ale and  Chimay Triple- the first Trappist Triple beer.  While supplies last, you ‘ll be able to take home a souvenir glass from your favorite beer.   Jump’s Gourmet Peanuts have donated their  nuts for snacking on, while  in the beer tent.

This years musical entertainment will be provided by The Eric Jerardi Band.  Jerardi has a long affiliation with Fleurs, for many years serving up treats from his Little Store on Peters Pike.   New this year, the Wall of Wine – for only $20,  guests will get to choose a mystery bottle of red or white.  Stocked bottles will range from a value of $10 – $85.  If you’d prefer to know what you’re getting, you’ll want to check out the silent auction that will feature art, theater tickets, restaurant gift certificates and much more.  At 4pm the live auction will begin, with an array of wine collectibles, chef dinners and more.  Even if you don’t plan on bidding, you’ll want to stick around and watch this- it’s always a high energy, competitive, fast moving part of the fest.

Tickets are  and are $60 in advance, available online or at your favorite wine store: Arrow Wine , Bella Vino, Brunning’s Wine Cellar, Cuvee,  Rumbleseat , The Wine Gallery,  Jerardi’s Little Store, Miami Valley Wine & Spirits , A Taste of Wine and The Wine Loft.   Proceeds from the day will benefit AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Dayton History.

Ticket Contest

As a media sponsor for Fleur et Vin, Dayton Most Metro has two pairs of tickets to give away to this very popular event!  Justthis article (to help us spread the word on FB), fill out the form below and then comment below and tell us what your favorite wine is – even if it is just “Red” or “White”.  And if you are a non-drinker, then tell us which of the participating restaurants you are most looking forward to trying.  We’ll draw two lucky winners on Tuesday May 15 after 2pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to Jenna Johnson and Bill Tatalovich – they each won a pair of tickets to Fleur et Vin!  CHEERS!