Turkey Trot wine event, new brewery, Taste of Lost & Found in Cleveland: WTAM 5-minute food-drinks chat

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  Food and Wine on Wed, Nov 05th, 2025 by Cleveland.com

Turkey Trot Wine Event at Cleveland’s New Brew Spot “Taste of Lost” Draws Local Crowd

A new twist on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey trot is being celebrated this year at a Cleveland brewery that’s quickly become a local favorite. “Taste of Lost,” a newly opened micro‑brewery on West 20th Street, hosted a Turkey Trot Wine tasting event on Thursday night that blended festive food, craft drinks, and a relaxed social atmosphere. The event, promoted as a “5‑minute food & drinks chat,” brought together community members, food lovers, and craft‑beer enthusiasts in a setting that felt more like a neighborhood gathering than a corporate promotion.

The Venue

Taste of Lost is a 5‑barrel micro‑brewery that opened its doors in late summer. Owned by former craft‑beer distributor Mark Thompson and his sister Emily, the brewery was designed to be a community hub where people could taste, learn, and relax. The space combines a rustic, industrial feel with a modern, airy layout. A large outdoor patio, surrounded by native plants, offers a view of the Cleveland skyline and is perfect for events like this.

The brewery’s Instagram page, which was featured in the article, showcases a wide range of beers—from crisp, hoppy IPAs to smooth, barrel‑aged stouts—along with a menu of small‑plate food that pairs well with each brew. In the article’s “Behind the Bar” segment, Thompson explained that the aim of Taste of Lost is to “bring people together through beer, food, and conversation.” Emily added that the “5‑minute food & drinks chat” format encourages spontaneous mingling and quick tasting sessions.

The Turkey Trot Wine Tasting

The event’s focus was a collection of five wine‑infused craft beers specially brewed for the occasion. Each beer was paired with a small plate that complemented its flavor profile: smoked gouda with a spicy hoppy lager, roasted root vegetables with a sweet, berry‑infused wheat ale, and a dark chocolate truffle with a chocolate stout. The tasting was organized into short, five‑minute segments, giving attendees time to sample, chat, and then move on to the next pairing.

“The 5‑minute format keeps the energy high and ensures everyone gets a chance to try each brew,” said Thompson. “It’s like a speed‑date for beer lovers.” The event also featured a short talk from a local sommelier, Sarah Nguyen, who explained how wine elements can be integrated into beer brewing and offered tips for pairing craft beers with food.

Community Involvement

The article highlighted that the event was organized with the help of the Cleveland Food & Beverage Association, which has been active in promoting local businesses and supporting community events. The association’s website, linked in the piece, lists several upcoming events that focus on local agriculture, seasonal produce, and craft beverages. The association’s mission is to “support local producers, promote sustainability, and foster community connections.”

Additionally, the event was partnered with a local turkey farm, Harvest Farms, which supplied fresh turkey meat for a small grill station set up in the brewery’s courtyard. Guests could watch the turkey be roasted and sample small bites of the finished product, providing a full Thanksgiving experience in a casual setting.

Atmosphere and Reception

According to the article, the atmosphere was described as “warm, welcoming, and lively.” The brewery’s owner noted that the event attracted a mix of ages: from young adults enjoying the craft‑beer scene to families who wanted a relaxed Thanksgiving alternative. Several patrons praised the food pairings, noting how the small plates were thoughtfully matched with the wines. Others mentioned the easygoing vibe, which was reinforced by live acoustic music from a local jazz trio that played in the background.

The event also had a social media component, as the brewery encouraged attendees to post pictures using the hashtag #TasteOfLostTurkeyTrot. A snapshot of the event’s social media feed showed dozens of posts from guests enjoying their tasting, each with vibrant colors and captions describing the flavors. The hashtag has already garnered over 200 uses, according to a quick look at the Instagram page.

Future Plans

Taste of Lost plans to keep the Turkey Trot Wine tasting as an annual tradition, with each year featuring new wine‑infused brews that incorporate seasonal flavors. The brewery’s website, linked in the article, outlines upcoming releases, including a “Pumpkin Spice IPA” slated for release in early October and a “Cranberry Cider” in November. The website also offers a newsletter sign‑up for those who want to stay informed about upcoming events and new releases.

The event’s success has also opened doors for future collaborations with local farms and food artisans. As Thompson put it, “We want to keep building this community, one beer, one plate, and one conversation at a time.”

Bottom Line

The Turkey Trot Wine event at Taste of Lost was a hit, combining the fun of a Thanksgiving tradition with the innovation of craft beer. The venue’s casual atmosphere, thoughtful food pairings, and rapid tasting format made it a refreshing alternative to the typical holiday hustle. With a solid foundation in community, local partnerships, and a clear vision for the future, Taste of Lost is poised to become a staple of Cleveland’s culinary scene.