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Cleveland to Host Wine Competition & Launch Brewery Passport

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/28 .. st-wine-competition-launch-brewery-passport.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 5:51 GMT by Cleveland.com
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

CLEVELAND, Ohio - January 28th, 2026 - Cleveland is poised to further solidify its reputation as a burgeoning hub for both wine and craft beer, with two exciting new initiatives announced today by The Terrestrials. The organization is preparing to host a regional wine competition and launch the 'Cleveland Brewery Passport,' both aimed at boosting tourism and showcasing the area's increasingly sophisticated beverage offerings.

The announcement comes on the heels of a segment on WTMJ radio's '5-Minute Food & Drinks Chat,' where host Jason Scott provided a sneak peek at both upcoming events. While specifics remain under wraps, anticipation is already building within the local food and drink community.

The Terrestrials Wine Competition: Elevating Regional Wines

The Terrestrials wine competition represents a significant step forward in recognizing and promoting the wines produced in the broader Ohio region and beyond. The competition promises to bring together a panel of highly respected judges, tasked with evaluating wines across various categories, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment. Organizers have emphasized a commitment to diversity in the judging process, suggesting a focus on palates from varied backgrounds and expertise. This approach will not only validate the quality of the wines but also broaden their appeal to a wider audience.

Beyond the judging aspect, the competition is also designed to be an immersive experience for attendees. Plans include opportunities for public tasting, allowing wine enthusiasts to sample the competing entries and discover new favorites. This direct engagement will be crucial in fostering a greater appreciation for the region's viticultural landscape. The exact location and dates are still forthcoming, but The Terrestrials have indicated they are aiming for an event that will be truly 'special,' hinting at potential pairings with local culinary offerings and live entertainment.

Ohio's wine industry, while often overshadowed by larger, more established regions, has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years. The state's unique terroir - the combination of climate, soil, and other environmental factors - is proving to be well-suited to a growing number of grape varietals. This competition offers a platform to showcase these successes and attract investment and recognition to the industry. It's anticipated the competition will draw submissions from wineries across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and potentially even neighboring Canadian provinces.

Cleveland Brewery Passport: A Hop-Filled Adventure

Complementing the wine competition is the launch of the Cleveland Brewery Passport. This initiative is a direct response to the explosive growth of Cleveland's craft beer scene, which has seen dozens of breweries open their doors in the past decade. The passport program aims to encourage both locals and tourists to explore the diversity of breweries within the city limits - and potentially the wider Northeast Ohio area.

The concept is simple: participants purchase a passport and receive special offers, discounts, or exclusive experiences at participating breweries. This incentivizes exploration and fosters a sense of community amongst beer lovers. Many successful brewery passport programs in other cities have utilized digital platforms, allowing users to check in at breweries via a mobile app and track their progress. It is expected Cleveland's passport will follow a similar model.

The Cleveland brewery scene is notable for its variety, ranging from large-scale production breweries to small, hyper-local taprooms. The passport program is expected to benefit businesses of all sizes, driving traffic and boosting sales during traditionally slower periods. Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the city's broader efforts to promote tourism and establish Cleveland as a destination for food and beverage enthusiasts.

Jason Scott, during his WTMJ radio segment, emphasized the 'fun' aspect of the Brewery Passport, suggesting it's a perfect way to spend an afternoon or weekend exploring the city. The Terrestrials have promised details about the passport's launch, including participating breweries and cost, will be available shortly.

WTMJ's '5-Minute Food & Drinks Chat' - Your Source for Local Flavor

For those eager to learn more about these events and other local food and drink happenings, WTMJ's '5-Minute Food & Drinks Chat' with Jason Scott is a valuable resource. The segment provides a quick and engaging overview of the latest trends and events in the Cleveland area. You can listen to the full conversation and stay up-to-date on all things culinary by visiting [ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/wtmlj-5-minute-food-and-drinks-chat-6837/ ].