The Cellar: 2015 Boston Wine Expo

Friday, January 30, 2015
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalWorcester Wine Writer

What is widely considered to be the America's largest consumer wine expo, as well as best wine-tasting deal around, is taking place this Presidents Weekend. So if you haven’t dug yourself out of the snow yet, here’s a good reason to get out the shovel. I am of course talking about the 2015 Boston Wine Expo, which takes place at the Seaport World Trade Center and Seaport Hotel in Boston February 14th & 15th.

There is literally something for everyone. The Grand Tasting gives guests a global adventure in a glass. Whether your palate prefers a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, a buttery Chardonnay, an elegant Pinot Noir or a dry Pinot Grigio, the 2015 Boston Wine Expo will bring the biggest, boldest and best flavors from the vine to the Seaport District. Oenophiles will travel through the expansive space – sans passport – swirling and sipping their way to “connoisseur” status while sampling bites from some of the city’s most popular restaurants. 

Rob Bleifer, Executive Chef of food networks kitchens
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from New England’s top culinary talent who will host Cooking Demonstrations and tastings throughout the weekend. Chefs will serve up their signature cuisine on two demonstration stages as they entertain, share recipes and create samples of their favorite dishes to pair perfectly with the event’s more than 2,000 selections from the vine. Demonstrations will take place in the Grand Tasting area and are included with Grand Tasting or Vintner Reserve Lounge tickets.

The Vintners' Reserve Lounge is the ideal setting for serious wine enthusiasts looking to sample rare and expensive vintages before they purchase a bottle. Located in a private room away from the Grand Tasting, the Vintners' Reserve Lounge is the perfect way to spend an afternoon sampling fine wine and tasting delectable treats from the top restaurants in the city. Most wines poured in the Vintners' Reserve Lounge retail for $75 and up while enjoying live entertainment. Ticket includes admission to the Grand Tasting on the same day. The Vintners' Reserve Lounge is open from 1:00 - 5:00 pm daily.

There are educational seminars with nearly 40 topics ranging from food and wine pairings, “Sipping Smarts,” and vertical tasting flights of the world’s most sought-after grapes. For those who love to shop, there will be scores of vendor booths with wine accessories, gourmet foods and even jewelry.  

For a complete list of events, seminars, times and prices, click here.

Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at srasch@golocalprov.com with any wine-related question or sign up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.

  • Hardwick

    Hardwick Vineyard & Winery

    Central Mass’s own Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, open March-December, is a close to home treasure that produces 3,000 gallons of wine each year. The winery, which grows 6 varieties of grapes, is built on a quiet road in Hardwick that abuts the Quabbin Reservoir. Located on the property is a majestic 200 year old mansion. This weekend, take the trip to the vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting. Favorites include Massetts Cranberry and Yankee Girl Blush. If you head out on a Sunday; you’ll be in luck—the winery is hosting Sangria Sundays for the rest of the month.

    3305 Greenwich Road, Hardwick, MA. (413) 967-7763.

     

  • Westport Rivers

    Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery

    Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.

    417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.

     

  • Coastal Vineyards

    A relatively young addition to the Massachusetts family of wineries and vineyards, Coastal Vineyards in South Dartmouth opened its doors in 2004. Coastal Vineyards grows eight varieties of grapes on their property, including Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and more. For a special treat, head over on Sunday for their Ugly Sweater Wine Party featuring acoustic musician Ryan Thaxter. Don your ugliest sweater to get 35% off your purchase—and a chance at a prize.

    61 Pardon Hill Road, South Dartmouth, MA.

     

  • Amherst Farm Winery

    Head out to one of Massachusetts’s favorite college towns this weekend to check out Amherst Farm Winery. Enjoy a wine tasting set in a cozy 19th century post and beam dairy barn. For only $5 receive a logo glass and a taste of 5 of their 15 wines, including unique flavors like chocolate raspberry, pumpkin frost, cranberry, and more. Bring a picnic and cozy up on their leather sofa by the fire to enjoy your wine with a snack.

    529 Belchertown Road, Amherst, MA. (413) 253-1400.

     

  • Nashoba Valley WInery

    Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!

    100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.

     

  • Mill River Winery

    Mill River Winery, located in Rowley, is the perfect wine destination for a mini-getaway. Enjoy the gorgeous winter scenery of Western Massachusetts as you wind through country roads to the winery. Mill River’s tasting room is housed in a refurbished cider mill, complete with eclectic décor that provides for an excellent tasting and shopping experience. Try their delicious Naked Chardonnay, a full bodied chardonnay with aromatic notes of lemon zest and pear. If you would like to get a “Dirt to Bottle Tour,” make sure to be at the winery at 2pm or 4pm Saturday or Sunday.

    498 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA. (978) 432-1280.

     

  • Black Birch Vineyard

    For only $6, get the full Black Birch Vineyard experience—tasting and a tour! Enjoy the great mix of contemporary and rustic décor of the tasting room and the local culture of this Massachusetts winery. While you’re in, be sure to try their award winning selection of reds and whites.

    155 Glendale Road, Southampton, MA. (413) 527-0164.

     

  • Taylor Brook Winery

    Located just over the border, Taylor Brook Winery in Woodstock, CT, is a hidden gem. This winery tends to over 2,000 vines of the finest grapes in the region. Head down to enjoy the country hospitality of this great local business, which offers tastings, bottles of their wine, and other great gift items for purchase. For a delicious winter wine, try their Winter Pomegranate.

    848 Route 171, Woodstock, CT. (860) 974-1263.

     

  • Obadiah McIntyre Farm

    Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery

    The Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery is located on the Charlton Orchards Farm property. The winery is owned and operated by a family that has been in the business of growing fruit for over 50 years, and began making wine in 1999. They are dedicated to making the best tasting wines around. Every weekend until the end of December, join them for a tasting and see for yourself.

    44 Old Worcester Road, Charlton, MA. (508) 248-7941.

     

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