Guests are invited to crush grapes at the Chicago Marriott’s 2010 wine-making event

Upon entering the lobby of a hotel, guests are expected to gather their bags, check in, and proceed to their room. Upon entering the lobby of the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, guests go through the motions before having the opportunity to de-stem and crush grapes that will be used to create signature wines served within the hotel bar and Harvest restaurant.

On May 21, the Chicago Marriott will host the spring 2010 stomping event involving over two tons of grapes from multiple varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc. The Chicago Marriott has paired with Greg Fischer of Chicago’s Wild Blossom Winery, who assists Marriott Executive Chef Myk Banas in selecting the perfect grapes to be transformed into several wines unique to the hotel. The wines currently available at the Chicago Marriott are the product of the October 2008 crushing, and includes an American Sangiovese, “Farmsted Red,” a Viognier, “View from the Road” and a very limited stock of their 2007 Chicago-made Shiraz blend, “CHI-RAZ.”

“The idea behind the wine is to take our culinary philosophy of “fresh, simple and chef-crafted” and apply it to our beverages. We strive to create simple, easy to drink wines to enjoy with our mid-western food,” says Banas. “Our wines aren’t fancy, but things don’t have to be complicated to be great.”

The next wine stomping will take place on Wednesday May 21 from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 North Michigan Avenue. All of the signature wines from previous are available for $7 a glass and $30 a bottle.

About Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Delight in a revitalized downtown Chicago family hotel fresh from a multi-million dollar transformation, situated on Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile among world-class shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, this luxurious Chicago, Illinois hotel is within walking distance to the Windy City's top attractions, including Navy Pier, American Girl Place, Shedd Aquarium, Millennium Park, Theater and Museum Districts. Stylish Magnificent Mile accommodations offer chic upgrades including flat screen TVs, Marriott's Revive® bedding, and ergonomic chairs with sleek, modern desks. With 90,000 square feet of versatile event space, this Chicago luxury hotel creates the perfect elegant setting for successful business engagements, memorable social gatherings, and exquisite wedding receptions. For more information visit www.chicagomarriottdowntown.com.