Annual Winter Wine Festival Returns to New York City in 2013

On Saturday, February 9, 2013, New York City hosted its fourth annual Winter Wine Festival in Times Square. Guests enjoyed wines from all over the world: Malbecs from Mendoza, Chiantis from Italty and Champagnes from France. There were nearly 200 wines to taste in all–quite an overwhelming feat even for the most eager wine connoisseur. The Best Buy Theater was transformed from a winter wonderland  in the tourist center of Manhattan into a wine-tasting mecca.

There was an afternoon as well as an evening session. Oenophiles looking to expand their wine knowledge were invited to upgrade their tickets ($25) for access to wine classes, which also included a special tasting of VIP wines.

Between tastings, light hors d’oeuvres were available to nibble on. Plentiful proportions of cheeses, breads, crackers, crudites as well as pizza and pasta salad were provided on self-serve tables throughout the event space.  

Guests were also treated to a live performance by world-renowned contemporary jazz guitarist Jeff Golub and his band, during the final hour of each session.

The event was named the “must attend event” for February by NBC and with reasonably-priced tickets ($89) and a fabulous selection of wines, we can see why wine aficionados flock here each year.

Not being quite the expert connoisseur myself, I was initially a bit overwhelmed. There was a guide, which somehow proved only to further inundate me with choices. I ended up going down the line and just sampling one table after the next. I especially enjoyed the wide array of South-American wines available. I think that even novices would enjoy themselves here. Visitors might find the small tastes a bit frustrating at first, having to continually keep moving and waiting for their next sip rather than being able to get a glass and relax for a moment. By the end though, as I stumbled out, I gained a true appreciation for the light pours.

I truly had a great evening and worked up quite an appetite. After the event, friends and I staggered across the street to Italian-food champion, Carmines, which by nearly 11pm had a reasonable wait time.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Cheers!

For more information visit New York Wine Festivals.