Championing a blue-collar mentality and unique sophistication, Cleveland offers everything for an unforgettable Ohio adventure. Designed by world-famous architect I.M. Pei, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must for any music lover. In fact, since opening in 1995, the Hall of Fame has attracted more than 9 million visitors. Thirsty travelers will love The Land’s diverse selection of craft breweries and vibrant nightspots. Fans of craft beer should make a beeline for the Butcher and the Brewer, Nano Brew Cleveland, and Platform Beer Co.
The Winter Warmer Fest has been one of the top winter beer events in Cleveland for more than a decade, and it will take place March 3. Attendees will encounter a comprehensive showcase of winter seasonal, limited edition, and high gravity beers from more than 50 Ohio breweries. With more than 150 beers to sample, this celebration of brewing offers something for every beer lover. In fact, some of the beer makers even create unique cask infusions just for attendees. The Black Sheep Pipes & Drums band will provide live music throughout the event, and food trucks representing local restaurants will feed the masses. Not only does paid entry allow patrons to meet and chat with some of the top beer minds in the state, but it also includes a complimentary souvenir tasting glass. The event takes place at Windows on the River which offers panoramic views of the Cleveland skyline. We interviewed Communications Manager of Ohio Craft Brewers Association, Justin Hemminger, to learn more about this showcase of Ohio’s most excellent beers.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
JH: Winter Warmer Fest is now in its 12th year. Over 1,500 people gather to sample seasonal, rare, and strong beers from over 50 Ohio craft breweries. We see beer enthusiasts of all stripes, but this is an especially fun event for groups as there are over 150 beers to sample. Unlike many beer festivals, Winter Warmer Fest is an opportunity to meet the brewers and talk with them about the beer they make. Some even create special cask infusions available only at the event.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
JH: When doors open at Winter Warmer Fest, the attendees are given a souvenir tasting glass and are led into the event space by the Black Sheep Pipes & Drums band. From there, they can explore the rooms at Windows on the River and take in the scenic views of downtown Cleveland as they enjoy some of Ohio’s most exceptional craft beer. Guests who venture out to the patio will find the cask area where they can sample unique infusions explicitly made for Winter Warmer Fest. Food trucks from favorite local restaurants are on hand to quell our guests’ hunger, and live music on two stages enhances the festive atmosphere.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JH: Windows on the River is located in the Flats, just west of downtown Cleveland. Several large downtown hotels have been recently remodeled and offer high-end accommodations. Boutique hotels such as the Metropolitan at the 9 and Kimpton Schofield are also conveniently located in downtown. There are several bed & breakfast options in the nearby Ohio City neighborhood, which also boasts nine craft breweries in proximity for a post-event walking tour. The Ohio Craft Brewers Association has set up a room rate at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, a half mile from Cleveland’s Playhouse Square theater district.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
JH: While residents primarily attend Winter Warmer Fest, Cleveland’s growing reputation as a craft beer haven is attracting visitors from across the country. The event features over 50 Ohio breweries and nearly half of them are from the greater Cleveland area, making it a perfect opportunity for a traveling craft beer enthusiast. Winter Warmer Fest is a fundraiser for the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, a non-profit organization that works to promote and protects the craft beer industry in Ohio.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JH: If you are a craft beer drinker, this is a can't miss annual event. While other beer festivals aim to overwhelm with their size, Winter Warmer Fest focuses on assembling a representative taste of what’s brewing in Ohio’s heralded craft beer community. Matching world-class beer with an intimate, stunning venue has kept craft beer enthusiasts coming back to Winter Warmer Fest year after year after year.
For more information about the Winter Warmer Fest, please visit the event website.