A great time was had by all, at the Lytle Park Hotel “Wine Festival”.
The weather was beautiful, and the endless bottles of delicious wine was flowing. Guests were treated to chef prepared appetizers, fresh fruit, artesian cheeses, oysters, shrimp, unique crackers, ceviche, and much more.
Live music performed by Grace Lincoln and the Night Owls. Customer service at the Lytle Hotel is beyond excellent and every attention to detail was thought out.
A VIP event was held May 17th from 5-6pm indoors and the atmosphere was charged with laughter and incredible wine from Benovia Winery. Mike Sullivan from California was there explaining the wine making process and region. The chardonnay was poetic with an incredible tastes of whipped pineapple, lychee fruit, caramel, and tangerine rind. Certainly not your typical chardonnay and paired well with the gourmet cheeses featured at the VIP area. Sullivan also brought in a Pinot Noir with notes of cranberry, dried fall leaves, and a snappy acidity.
These two wines were my favorite of the events, and both can be purchased at Jungle Jim’s in Cincinnati.
The Frog Leap’s Dinner the night before
May 16th inside the Lytle Hotel a dinner was served to honor the Wine Festival. Food was prepared by the culinary team at Lytle.
John Williams, Founder and Winemaker of Frog’s Leap Winery gave humorous talks during the evening about his start in the industry and his love affair with the grape. My favorite wine from Frog Leap’s was the 2008 cabernet sauvignon. Deep and personal with notes of earth, sage, dried berries, romantically entangled tannins, and a sturdy balanced mouth feel.
The best dish was the cabernet sauvignon braised short rib with fried carrots atop. The staff kept everyone happy and presented an elegant service.
Even if you didn’t attend this two-day event stop in the Lytle Hotel for dinner and cocktails after work. Foot traffic is important and welcomed, and a good time is always on the menu.