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Meatball Crawl and Wine Tasting returns to Cleveland's Little Italy this month

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 13:13 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Meatball Crawl and Wine Tasting Makes a Comeback in Cleveland’s Little Italy

Cleveland’s Little Italy is set to warm up its streets this September with the much‑anticipated return of the “Meatball Crawl and Wine Tasting,” an event that has become a staple for food lovers, wine aficionados, and community‑builders alike. After a hiatus caused by pandemic‑related restrictions and a shift in the city’s culinary calendar, the event is scheduled to kick off on September 18th and run through September 20th, offering a weekend of Italian hospitality, local flavor, and a touch of friendly competition.

A Weekend‑Long Celebration of Food, Wine, and Community

The meatball crawl is a two‑night affair that guides participants through a series of hand‑picked restaurants in the heart of Little Italy. Each venue serves a signature meatball dish—be it classic beef, pork‑based, or even a modern twist with lamb or poultry—paired with a curated selection of wines. Guests can taste a variety of reds, whites, and sparkling options that complement the robust flavors of the meatballs. The event encourages mingling and sharing, with each stop featuring a small “wine‑pairing station” where a sommelier or knowledgeable staff member explains why a particular wine works well with that specific meatball style.

The wine tasting portion is equally compelling, offering a selection of Italian and domestic wines sourced from local vineyards and well‑known producers alike. Attendees can sample wines from Chianti, Barolo, and even a few craft Italian‑style blends made in the Midwest. For those who prefer to take a piece of the experience home, the event includes a “wine and meatball pairing guide” that lists recommended vintages for each restaurant’s signature dish.

Tickets for the entire weekend are priced at $35, a modest fee that covers entrance to all three restaurants, two wine tastings, and a commemorative tote bag featuring the event logo. A portion of proceeds goes to the Cleveland Italian Cultural Center’s food‑security program, ensuring that the event not only delights diners but also supports those in need within the community.

The Backstory: Why It Matters

Little Italy, founded in the early 20th century by Italian immigrants seeking new opportunities, has long been a cultural touchstone for Cleveland’s Italian community. The neighborhood boasts a vibrant array of bakeries, trattorias, and specialty shops that keep Italian traditions alive. The meatball crawl is a modern echo of the neighborhood’s history of communal gatherings—think of the annual festival that features a parade, live music, and the iconic “Little Italy Pie.” By bringing the event back, organizers hope to reconnect residents with their heritage while simultaneously stimulating the local economy.

The 2025 return follows a two‑year pause that began in 2023 when organizers postponed the event due to concerns about public health and a shift in the local tourism calendar. In the interim, the community maintained interest through smaller, localized pop‑ups and a “virtual taste‑tour” that let people sample recipes online. This year, the organizers are confident that conditions are ripe for a safe, vibrant return.

Organizers and Sponsors

A partnership of local businesses and community groups backs the 2025 event. Key players include:

• Cleveland Italian Cultural Center (CICC) – the primary organizer, which has been running the meatball crawl since 2005. CICC’s goal is to promote Italian culture and heritage through culinary events.
• Little Italy Chamber of Commerce – a sponsor that provides logistical support and promotes the event among its members.
• The Ohio Wine Association – a partner that helps coordinate the wine tastings and offers expert sommeliers to staff each venue.
• Local Restaurants – a rotating lineup of 10 establishments, from time‑honored family eateries to new‑wave fusion spots. Some of the biggest names include La Luna, Pizzeria del Sol, and Ristorante San Giorgio.

In addition to the culinary highlights, the event features live music from local bands, a photo booth with vintage Italian backdrops, and a raffle where guests can win prizes ranging from gift certificates to local wineries.

How to Join

Ticket holders can purchase passes directly from the event’s official website, which is linked in the article. The site also provides a downloadable event map, a list of participating restaurants and wineries, and a FAQ section that covers everything from parking and dress code to dietary accommodations.

Because of the event’s popularity, organizers recommend buying tickets at least a week in advance. Those who wish to attend the wine tastings specifically can opt for the “Wine‑Focused Pass” that costs $20 and offers access to a curated selection of wines only, while the full crawl pass includes both the meatballs and the wine pairings.

The Broader Picture

The meatball crawl’s revival is part of a larger trend of “food crawl” events that have taken the United States by storm over the past decade. From the “Taco Crawl” in Austin to the “Sushi Crawl” in Seattle, these gatherings are more than just culinary tours; they’re a form of community storytelling. They celebrate local food traditions, provide a platform for small businesses, and create shared experiences that transcend the everyday.

For Cleveland’s Little Italy, the 2025 meatball crawl offers a chance to showcase the neighborhood’s rich heritage while inviting newcomers to taste the flavors that have defined it for generations. As one of the event’s co‑organizers put it, “It’s not just about the meatballs or the wine; it’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, and keeping the spirit of Little Italy alive.”

With the calendar marked and the community buzzing, the next few weeks promise a feast of flavors, a splash of wine, and a renewed sense of neighborhood pride. Whether you’re a local resident, a tourist, or a food‑enthusiast on a quest for authentic Italian cuisine, the Meatball Crawl and Wine Tasting in Cleveland’s Little Italy is one event you’ll want to mark on your calendar.