Happy 1st Anniversary To Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet!

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to the owners of Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet in Melrose! And Best Wishes for many more years to come. 

A year ago, I first met the new owners, Vijay, Andy, Puja, and Brian, and it was with a little trepidation that we discussed their plans for the shop. That's a normal situation with new owners of any business. What is their objective for the business? How will the business change? Will the staff be retained?

Their answers were very positive, and uttered with complete sincerity, so that my trepidations vanished. They wanted the shop to be an artisan wine, beer and spirits store. They certainly didn't want to turn it into a package or convenience store. They also planned on retaining any of the staff who desired to work there. Finally, there would be changes, but they hoped only positive ones, those which would further their primary objective. 

After this past year, I'm pleased to report that they have lived up to everything they told me that first day. All of the new owners are sincere and hardworking, fully open to suggestions from all of the staff. And all of the current staff previously worked for Beacon Hill Wine.  

Victoria Hill is a destination shop, not just a neighborhood shop, a place which attracts people from all of the surrounding communities. In large part, this is accomplished by offering products that aren't available at many other local wine and liquor shops, including the big box shops. The diversity of their selection continues to always expand, and have been greatly welcomed by the customers. 

For example, the wine selections, numbering around 600, include offerings from about 25 different countries, including less commonly available wines from regions including Croatia, Lebanon, Georgia, Armenia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Peru, Brazil, Slovenia, Hungary, Switzerland, and more. Wines from additional countries, such as Mexico, Canada, and England, may be added in the future when good choices can be found.    

To expand their wine selection, new wooden wine shelves, such as the ones pictured above, have been added, allowing the shop to stock even more wines. These two shelving units are devoted to Portuguese and Spanish wines, from Vinho Verde to Port, from Albarino to Txacoli.  

There's also a new shelving unit for Sparkling Wines (from Crémant to House Champagne, Cava to Grower Champagne) and Rosé Wines (from Provence to Txakoli, Italy to California). The shelving unit also has some Ciders, Non-alcoholic Wines, Mocktails and Mixers. 

In addition, about 25%-30% of their wine selection are "Natural Wines," which is used as an overall designation for wines that are Biodynamic, organic, sustainable, or similarly produced, whether certified or not. To more easily locate the Natural wines, you simply have to check the new wine price labels, shown above, and look for an "N" in the right hand corner. More Natural wines continue to be added all the time.  

The store also carries a variety of interesting and delicious Sakes, from Junmai to Honjozo, Ginjo to Daiginjo, Sparkling Sake to Yuzu Infused. And if you need help selecting Sake, just ask me while I'm working and I'll be more than willing to help you.

I continue to conduct Wine Tastings every Thursday evening, from 5-7pm, and every Saturday afternoon, from 1-4pm. The tastings showcase diverse wines, exposing many customers to wines, countries and grapes they have never previously sampled. Customers have been very appreciative of this approach, and open to tasting more unique wines. They have often found new favorite wines, buying wines they wouldn't have purchased on their own, wary of buying a wine they've never experienced or knew little about. There have also been plenty of repeat customers who regularly come to the tastings to experience these new wines. 

On Friday nights, there are also often additional tastings, of Wine, Beer or Spirits. Please come by any of these tastings to expand your palate and taste some delicious and fascinating new wines, beers and spirits.  

Besides the diverse wine selection, the Beer chiller contains an excellent assortment of craft beers and ciders, many from local breweries, as well as some of the usual favorites, from Modelo to Budweiser. Customers have been very complimentary about the beer selection. 

The Spirits selection is diverse as well, including some harder to find selections, from Blanton's Bourbon to Chartreuse. Local spirits can also be found, from producers such as Barr Hill and Short Path.

Another physical change to the store has been new and extra lighting, to make the store brighter and easier for customers to see all of the selections. A new chiller case was also added, which holds wines, single beers, and hard seltzers.   

More changes are in the planning stages as well, such as the addition of more wooden wine racks, and possibly a new wine tasting station. As the holiday season approaches, even more wines will be added, included more higher end wines, which are great gifts for family and friends. 

Many thanks go to Vijay, Andy, Puja, and Brian, for creating an excellent store, for carrying a diverse and interesting selection, and for being open to suggestions. They have worked very hard during this past year, and it has been a real pleasure to work for them. 

If you live in Melrose, check out Victoria Hill and see what your new neighborhood wine, beer & spirits shop has to offer. If you live outside Melrose, please also check out this destination spot as you are likely to find plenty of selections that aren't available at your own neighborhood wine shop. And please come to the tastings and learn more about the wonders of wines, beer and spirits from all over the world! 

Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet
538 Main Street, Melrose
(781) 665-3332
Hours of Operation: Monday to Wednesday: 10am-8pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am-9pm; Sunday: 10am-7pm. 

A New Wine Shop in Melrose: Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet

There's a new wine shop in Melrose.....

About 15 years ago, Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet, owned and operated by Rebecca & Gene Beraldi, was established in Melrose, and I worked there for 12 of those years. In mid-August, the Beraldis sold the store, which is now known as Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet. I have remained as an employee at the new store. 

The new owners, Vijay, Andy, Brian and Puja, are very sincere people and they intend the shop to be an artisan wine, beer and spirits shop. They are not seeking to turn it into a package store or convenience store. They have been expanding the available selections on a variety of levels. Obviously, with the new ownership, there have been changes at the wine shop, but they have largely been positive, and the owners have been very open to suggestions about such changes. 

For example, one of the minor changes is that Rosé wines are now stocked in the chiller, which I believe is an excellent idea. This has been met with positive feedback from many customers. Another change is that numerous different beers, especially IPAs, are now stocked in the chillers, although many old favorites are still stocked, and that new beer selection has also been met with raves from the beer customers. 

A variety of new wine selections have also been added, with many more coming in the next few months, including wines from Portugal, Georgia, Greece, Lebanon, Moldova, Croatia, and more. Customers will have many intriguing choices in what wines to purchase. I've had some input in the new wines and Sakes that have been brought in, such as the Ramos Pinto Ports, including their amazing 20 Year Old Tawny. Another example is that I also suggested wines from Lebanon, from the famed Chateau Musar (pictured above). Come see me at the store and I'll show you all of the new wines.

Chartreuse, the acclaimed liqueur made by Carthusian monks, is also now available at the shop. As devotees of this spirit know, there has been a shortage of Charteuse for several years, and it has been difficult to find in local shops. So, if you're interested in this French herbal liqueur, you now know where you can find a bottle. Although it might sell out soon, so take action if you want to purchase a bottle. 

We're conducting Wine Tastings every Saturday, from 1-4pm, sampling new wines, as well as every Thursday night, starting at 5pm. Soon, we will also be conducting Beer Tastings on Friday nights, and additional special tasting events might occur on other nights. Please come by at any of these times to expand your palate and taste some delicious and fascinating new wines!

We will be holding a special Sake Tasting event on Saturday, September 28, in honor of International Sake Day on October 1. We shall have several Sakes to sample, accompanied by some nibbles, and everyone who attends the event will receive a special handout with information about Sake, including a food recipe and a couple cocktail recipes. More information about this Sake event will be posted soon. 

If you live in Melrose, check out Victoria Hill and see what your new neighborhood wine, beer & spirits shop has to offer. If you live outside Melrose, please also check out Victoria Hill as you are likely to find a number of selections that aren't available at your neighborhood wine shop. Victoria Hill is intended to be a destination spot, where people from all of the surrounding communities will want to come because of its unique and diverse selection.

Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet

538 Main Street, Melrose

(781) 665-3332

Monday to Wednesday: 10am-8pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am-9pm; Sunday: 10am-7pm.

Rant: Labor Day's Over, Time To Sample Lots Of Wine

Labor Day has passed, and many feel it's the end of summer, although technically that's not the case.  The passing of Labor Day also presages changes in the wine world, beyond the fact it's harvest season, and consumers need to pay attention. There are opportunities now, for the next several months, that they should take advantage of, to learn more about wine, to experience different wines, and to enjoy plenty of delicious wines.

Most importantly, this is the time when wine stores will stock many new wines as their busiest season is about to begin. This will also mean that many of those wine shops will hold large wine tasting events, where you may be able to taste many different wines, sometimes as many as 100 or more wines. Most of these events will be free, providing you a perfect opportunity to experience many wines which you may not have tasted before. 

As I've said before, the best way to learn about wine is to taste it so you should definitely attend these events to expand your horizons, to delve into a wealth of diversity. You might be tempted at these events to taste only those wines which you already know and love, or which are similar to those wines. That would be a mistake. It won't teach you anything and it won't provide you a new experience. 

Instead, experiment and take chances, tasting new wines, new grapes, of which you might never have heard about. Expand your palate and broaden your horizons by tasting lots of different wines, especially considering that these tastings are free and you thus have nothing to lose. You'll learn more about wine and that will probably bring you joy. You might even find a new favorite wine, or even several new favorites. 

Sure, you probably won't like everything new you taste but that shouldn't be an issue. You're only sampling the wines, taking a sip or two, and it's free. If you dislike a wine, you can just try another wine, and that will likely help you understand what wines you will enjoy.  

At these events, with so many wines, you'll want to remember those wines which you most enjoyed. Take notes of those wines so you can recall them later, so you can find them again. If you don't want to take notes, use your cell phone to take a photo of the wine label. You can then take that picture to a wine store and they can see if they carry that wine. If you end up tasting 10 or more wines, it may be difficult to remember your favorites merely by memory. Memorializing your favorites in notes or a picture will be very helpful when you seek your new favorite weeks later. 

Take the opportunities to taste new wines, expanding your palate, and hopefully find new favorites. 

Rant: The Death of Wine Tastings?

September will be here before we know it, a month which usually begins wine tasting season. As harvest begins in many wine regions, and the holidays loom in the near future, numerous wine tasting events, for both the industry and the public, are commonly held. Some are large-scale tastings, with hundreds of wines available for sampling. Others are smaller scale, though still with a dozen or more wines available. It's a great time to explore new wines, to expand you palate, and learn more about fascinating and delicious wines.

However, the pandemic is likely to force the cancelation of most of these events. With the need for masks and social distancing, for safety measures to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, and the limits on the number of people for indoor gatherings, how can such wine tasting events be held? 

At a usual wine tasting, you'll have a number of people all massed at a table, seeking a sample to taste. You can't sample a wine while wearing a mask. But, you can't have group of people all packed together, without masks, sampling wine. Do you place them into a line, where only one person at a time can taste wine? That would mean very long lines, and lots of waiting, and might be untenable for large tasting events. 

Smaller events, such as at wine stores, might be able to place consumers into a line, allowing one or two people to taste at a time. However, they would still need to limit the amount of people who could be in their store at one time. And how many consumers would be unwilling to wait in such a line? How long would you wait in a line at a wine shop to taste a few bottles of wine?

Wine tasting events are important for a multitude of reasons. For the media, it provides an opportunity to experience many new wines, topics for possible articles and reviews. For the industry, it can provide information and experience with wines they might want to sell in their restaurants, shops, and other spots. 

For consumers, tasting can lead to more purchases, especially of wines they might have otherwise not bought. The upcoming holiday season is a time when wine shops conduct a significant portion of their annual business. In-store tastings help to sell more wines and without them, sales could potentially decline. Tasting events also bring in more consumers, curious to taste something new. Without such events, some of those consumers may choose not to visit some wine shops. This probably hurts small, more boutique wine shops, more than the larger, chain wine shops. 

So, what can we do? How can wine tasting events be held safely? Or is this wine tasting season doomed? 

Rant: Ten Minutes on Vouvrays? Promoting & Selling Wine

"And what was that 10-minute lecture on, what, Vouvrays?"
--Jack to Miles in Sideways

Last Friday, I helped Mirena and Win of Croatian Premium Wine Imports pour some Croatian wines at the Boston Wine Festival's Uncorked For A Cause, a charity wine event that benefited No Kid Hungry. There were five different wine stations, each accompanied by a food station that was created to pair with those wines. There were wines from California, Oregon, Italy and other better known wine regions. The Croatian wines were the most unfamiliar to the average attendee at this event, so people were curious.

At such a large tasting event though, most people aren't looking for a ten minute lecture on any wine. They primarily want to taste the wines, and continue socializing with their friends, sampling some of the various dishes, and maybe even dancing. So, you need to hook them on your wines quickly, to give them a brief highlight reel, to provide them the most compelling reasons to taste your wines. You might only have 30 seconds to promote your wine. What would you say in those 30 seconds?

This is very similar situation to working in a wine store, where most of your customers aren't there for a lengthy education. A number of them have only a limited amount of time in the store. They want to rely on your expertise though appreciate receiving just the top highlights of whatever wine you're recommending. And again, you might only have about 30 seconds to talk about a wine, so what would you say?

Obviously, you also need to tailor your comments to the specific customer, perceiving those people who actually want a more lengthy explanation about the wines. For example, there were a small handful of people at the Uncorked event who wanted much more information about Croatian wines. So, you could launch into a lengthier explanation, providing far more details than you would to the average consumer.

At a tasting event, you benefit from the ability for attendees to taste your wines, as those wines can speak volumes, providing the most compelling reason for why the attendees should seek out your wines after the event. However, you still need to persuade the consumers to taste your wines, and you likely don't have much time to convince them. At a large tasting event, they have plenty of wine options, and will probably end up sampling only a percentage of the available wines. That means you must be quite persuasive, in a short time, to ensure those consumers taste your wines.

At wine stores, if you aren't having a tasting, you have the benefit that the customer is there to purchase wine. However, then you need to quickly recommend wines for them to buy, without the benefit of having the customer taste the wine. It's a slightly different situation, but with plenty of similarities too. It's all about proper time management, of presenting your best arguments quickly and persuasively.

Few customers want to hear ten minutes about Vouvray. Be quick, precise and compelling.

Rant: If You Love Your Mom, Buy Her White Zinfandel

Mother's Day is in two weeks, a time to honor our mothers, to show the love we possess for them. I love my mother, and she is worthy of much honor for her love, devotion, and sacrifice in raising me. However, she will say that she doesn't need any specific day to be honored, that she feels my love every day. Many mothers probably feel that very same way about their children, yet we children still enjoy celebrating this holiday.

I've previously worked at a wine shop on Mother's Day and sold more White Zinfandel than any other day I can ever recall. The vast majority of them were bought as gifts. One of the customers even seemed almost guilty buying it, telling me that it was for his mother. That made me ponder the matter, raising a question in my mind.

If you truly love your mother, would you buy her an inexpensive wine like a White Zinfandel?

Some might think the answer is easy, that their mother deserves much better than White Zinfandel. Some might think she deserves a high-end Cabernet Sauvignon, a fine Bordeaux or a vintage Champagne. In some respects, they are correct. Your mom is certainly worthy of a pricey, high end wine. My own mom is certainly worthy of any wine I know. However, that doesn't mean you should buy your mother such a wine.

In fact, sometimes a White Zinfandel is the best wine you can buy for your mom.

For Mother's Day, I believe that you should give your mother the things she loves. No matter what they might be. I don't believe it is the day to test your mom, to give your mother something she might or might not enjoy. You want the day to be as perfect as possible for your mother, so you should cater to her desires. If she loves White Zinfandel, then the best wine you can give her for Mother's Day is White Zinfandel. You shouldn't feel guilty or cheap. You shouldn't feel like a bad child.

Even if you're a wine lover, conversant with wines from all over the world, having tasted wines made from hundreds of different grapes, don't shy away from buying White Zinfandel if that is what your mother loves. Maybe your mom has never had a Provence Rose or a Gruner Veltliner, and might enjoy them if she did. Then again, maybe she won't. Don't try to change your mother's palate on Mother's Day. Give her what you know she already loves, even if it is White Zinfandel.

Yes, if you love your mother, buy her White Zinfandel!

Rant: Approaching Wine Like A Child

Have you lost your sense of vinous wonder?

After years of wine drinking, some people's palates become jaded and little excites them anymore. They also don't seek out different wines, electing to drink the same old wines all the time. Still other people become arrogant and pretentious, often primarily chasing after trophy wines, engaging in one-upmanship with their friends. They seek out high-end Bordeaux and Burgundy, California Cabernet and Italian Barolo, and similar such wines. Dining out with their friends becomes a competition, with each person seeking to select the best (and usually a pricey) wine on the list. All of these people see nothing wrong with their behavior, failing to realize they may have lost their sense of vinous wonder.

There are other people, with the same amount of wine drinking experience, who haven't become jaded or pretentious, who still marvel at wines that aren't trophies, wines which may be inexpensive and more unusual. They get excited about rare grapes, unique wine-making styles, and less common wine regions. These individuals still appreciate and understand the allure of trophy wines, the expensive classics, but they don't make them their raison d'être. They find pleasure and wonder in a wide range of wines, of all price points, of all types, from all regions.

It is usually easy to differentiate those who are jaded or pretentious from those who still possess that sense of wonder. Watch as they present a new wine, priced under $20, that excites them and you'll see a fire in their eyes and their words will be indicative of their delight. They will be eager to share that wine, to spread their thrill with their friends. The jaded person might share a similar wine, finding it of interest, but it's obvious they lack a true passion for the wine. It is offered more as intellectual experience, and it might even be compared to higher-end wines, noting its failings compared to those classics. And the pretentious ones might even show disdain for such an inexpensive wine.

We should approach wine as a child approaches life, with an eager curiosity. Like children, we should  embrace wonder and be open to new experiences.

I want to spend time with those who still possess their sense of vinous wonder. I want to share wine with those people, to marvel together at the unique, inexpensive wines we find. We can still drink and enjoy high-end, classic wines too but we won't turn up our noses at other wines. We will cherish the diversity of wine, being adventurous and exploring all that exists.

Try to examine your own approach to wine with a critical eye, to determine whether you still possess that wonder or not. If you do, then I strongly advise you to be wary of becoming jaded or pretentious.  If you do not, then I highly recommend you make changes to your vinous life. It's never too late to change. If you refuse to change, then you'll lose out on so much.

Rant: After Labor Day, Expand Your Palate

Two weeks from today will be Labor Day, which many see as the end of summer although autumn won't officially arrive for a few weeks more.

Besides the change in the seasons, Labor Day is also the unofficial start of wine tasting season. From September to December, most wine stores will hold large-scale wine events, some where you can taste more than fifty wines. Even better is that most of those events will be free, or they will charge only a nominal fee. This is your opportunity to taste many dozens of wines, and you should seize the chance to do so. As I've mentioned many times before, the best way to learn about wine is to taste it, and taste even more.

The best way to learn through tasting is to expand your palate, to taste plenty of unfamiliar wines, to experience different grapes and to sample wines from new regions. You could easily attend these events and drink only wines you know but why do that? It won't teach you anything. It won't provide you a new experience. You learn something from what is new. And what you learn might also bring you much joy.

Sure, you probably won't like everything new you taste but that shouldn't be an issue. You are only sampling the wines, taking a sip or two, and it is probably for free. If you dislike a wine, if might help you understand what wines you will enjoy. And amidst all that tasting, you'll probably find a number of other wines that you do like, and may even find a new favorite. Take the risk, expand your palate and taste as many different wines as you can.  

And a little more advice. When you attend these tastings, take some notes so you remember which wines you liked. Don't rely on your memory alone because after tasting a couple dizen wines, you probably won't remember your favorite wine the day after. At the very least, use your smart phone to take a photo of the label. That is the easiest way to remember the wines that impressed you.

You'll thank me later for helping you expand your palate.

Rant: Wine Tastings Without Passion

Importers/distributors often conduct wine tastings at various wine stores, trying to garner interest in their wines, with the ultimate goal of selling more wine. I've attended many of these tastings, and was even at one yesterday afternoon. Yesterday's importer/distributor, who offered five Georgian wines for sampling, possessed a deep passion for the wines and region, and his passion was more than evident as he presented his wines to many different consumers.

Because of his passion, he excited the consumers about his wines and sold a good number of those wines. Without that passion, the tasting would have been far less successful, and could have even been a bust. I've been at those tastings too, where the importer/distributor is just going through the motions, a passionless stance, where it almost seems the importer/distributor would rather be elsewhere. Consumers notice and tend to avoid the tasting table, or if they do taste the wines don't get as excited about them. Less wines get sold.

Wine tastings are one of the best ways to get consumers interested in different wines, those they might not have purchased on their own, unwilling to take a risk on an unknown. However, those different wines also need a passionate advocate to inform and persuade consumers on the reasons they should taste and enjoy those different wines. If a importer/distributor has an unsuccessful wine tasting, maybe they should first consider whether their presenter showcased a passion for the wines or not. And if the presenter lacked that passion, it is time to choose another presenter.

When I work at the wine shop, I often see how my passion for certain wines appeals to consumers, causing them to take a chance on a wine they might never have tasted before. I've had customers eavesdrop on me describing a wine to another customer, and be so intrigued by my passion, they then ask to buy that same wine. That wouldn't happen if I was passionless in my advocacy for the wine.

Obviously, the importance of passion applies in many other fields as well, from food to books. As consumers, we understand how we are attracted to those salespeople who possess passion, who excite us about their products. Wine shops need to support passionate importer/distributors, and inform the non-passionate ones that they need to step up their game.

Boston Wine Expo: What You Should Taste

The annual Boston Wine Expo will be here in a few weeks, during President’s Day weekend, February 18 & 19, at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center. If you plan on attending the Grand Tasting, you'll be confronted with over 1800 wines, an overwhelming amount of wine. As you can only sample a tiny fraction of those wines, which should you choose to taste?

Earlier this month, I provided some Advice For Attending The Boston Wine Expo, twenty-five suggestions for making the most of your Expo experience. One of my suggestions was that you take some time and make a plan of which wine regions and/or specific wineries tables you want to visit and taste. Rather than waste your time wandering around the hall, you should have an idea of what you want to taste.

I also suggested that you take this opportunity to expand your palate and try different wines, hoping to find new wines to enjoy. With all the diversity of wines available, it makes little sense to spend your time drinking the same wines you drink at home all the time. Be willing to experiment and taste something different. Make the Expo an opportunity to explore the wide world of wine.

To assist in your plans, I'm going to provide you with my own suggestions for some wines you should check out. This list will include many of the tables where I will also sample wines as I too like to seek out new wines, to expand my own vinous horizons. On my previous visits to the Expo, I've often found some real treasures. For example, at least year's Expo, I tasted 13 wines which ended up on my Top Ten Wine lists of 2016.

There seems to be more diversity at the Expo this year than last, meaning you have the opportunity to taste plenty of more unique and interesting wines. I may add to this list in the days leading up to the Expo, as additional exhibitors and information is added to the Expo website. And if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Portuguese Wines
As I've often said, Portugal produces some of the best value wines in the world and if you want inexpensive, but delicious, wines then you need to explore Portugal. Portugal has lots of intriguing, indigenous grapes, making their wines unique in a number of ways. Their whites, reds, sparkling wines and Ports are compelling (and check out my post All About Portuguese Wines). Portugal also makes fine, higher end wines as well. Take some time to explore what Portugal has to offer, at the following tables: Burmester (Table 631-Ports), Caves Messias (Table 362), DFJ Wines (Table 360), Dona Maria Wines (Table 635), Esporao (Table 329), L&B Beverage (Table 265), Lemos & Van Zeller (Table 734), LGL Imports (261), Pico Wines (Table 653-Azores), Rui Madeira (633), and Vallegre (Wine & Port, Table 263).

Georgian Wines
The country not the state. Once part of the Soviet Union, Georgia might be the historical birthplace of wine production. It now produces some intriguing and delicious wines, including some made in a very traditional manner in qvevri, earthenware vessels. I've enjoyed a number of Georgian wines (check out my prior post Drink More Georgian Wine) and continue to seek out new ones too. Georgia has brought a large number of producers to the Expo this year and they are well worth checking out. Their tables include Bagrationi 1882 (Table 217), Besini (Table 219), Chateau Mukhrani (Table 224), Corus Imports (Tables 111, 113, 115), Danieli Winery (Table 226), Georgian Wine House (Table 121), Kakhuri Gvinis Marani (Table 129), Kartuli Vazi (Table 127), Qimerioni (Table 211), Shilda (Table 123), Tbilvino (Table 213), Tsereteli Wine & Spirits (Table 215), Vaziani Company (Table 222), and Wine Company Shumi (Table 228).

South African Wines 
South Africa also seems like it has increased its participation at the Expo this year. There are plenty of excellent wines coming from this country, from killer Chenin Blanc to hearty Syrah, and also the unique Pinotage. The quality of their wines has increased greatly in recent years and new regions in the country are producing plenty of fascinating wines. Check out wines from: Alvi's Drift (Table 220), Anthonij Rupert Wines (Table 227), Beau Joubert (Table 223), Blue Crane Imports (Table 218), Cape Dreams (Table 225), Kysela Perl et Fils (Tables 318/320), Meridian Prime (322, 324, 326), and Robinson & Sinclair (221).

Greek Wine
Greece is another country with a lengthy history of wine yet not enough consumers know about their fascinating wines. There are plenty of indigenous grapes in Greece, and they make a full gamut of wines, whites, reds, sparkling, dessert and more. I've found plenty of excellent Greek wine at prior Expos and check out my article, Ten Reasons To Drink Greek Wine. Though there appears to be only two tables of Greek wines at this Expo, that could change, but currently take note of Greek Wine Cellars (Table 720) and Lakonia Greek (Table 201).

Diversity of wine is great, and you'll find some wines at the Expo from countries less commonly found in local wine stores and restaurants. This is your opportunity to check out more unique wines from different wine regions. I've had some wines from these regions and found some tasty selections and strongly recommend you give them a chance. I'll definitely be tasting wines at these tables to see what I might find.

Bulgarian Wines:
Check out National Vine & Wine Chamber (Tables 750, 752, 754, & 756).

Israeli Wines
Check out Israel Wine Producers Association (Table 317) and King David Wines (Table 513).

Lebanese Wines
Check out Ixsir (Table 354).

Luxembourg Wines
Check out Ansay International (Table 623).

Romanian Wines
Check out Ville Budureasca (Table 567).

There are also some individual producers and tables you should check out, where you will find some delicious wines, of various price points. 

Alsatian Wines
The French region of Alsace produces some excellent wines, especially white wines and Crémant d'Alsace, but they also produce a small amount of red wines. Check out Fine Terroir Selections (Table 356), which will have at least a Pinot Noir and Riesling.

Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana (Table 511)
This is one of the best Sherry bodegas in Spain, and I was fortunate to visit the winery back in 2010. I also tasted their wines at last year's Expo and you can read about my favorite wines from that tasting. This year, at Table 511, it seems they will be showcasing their superb Sherries, including La Gitana Manzanilla, Wellington Palo Cortado, Faralon Oloroso, and Triana PX. Hopefully, they will also be sampling some of their fine, non-Sherry wines.

New Mexico
You've probably never had wines from New Mexico before, and I don't think I've ever seen wines from that state on local wine store shelves. So I'm excited to check out these wines too, from Southwest Wines (Table 563).

Brooklyn Oenology
Last year, I found some quite enjoyable wines from this New York winery, which will be offering their wines for sample at Table 663. Check out my prior review of their wines. Seek out their Orange wines as well as their Cabernet Franc.

90+ Cellars
A Boston company, 90+ Cellars sources wines from all over the world, offering excellent bargains on a full array of wines. They will have plenty of good wines available for tasting, as always, at the Expo at Table 437. This year, especially keep an eye out for Magic Door La Cle de la Femme Champagne, an excellent bargain and delicious Champagne which is produced with a high percentage of Pinot Meunier. I always stop by this table to see what new wines they have to offer.

Alessio Vermouth
Not everyone realizes that Vermouth is actually a wine, albeit it is fortified like Port. Vermouth is also much more diverse than many realize, and sampling its variations can be fascinating. Check out Table 264 and maybe you can taste their Bianco, Rosso and Chinato varieties. Vermouth is great in cocktails, but you can also drink it on its own, or with maybe a little tonic or soda water.

It also appears that the Wine Expo will be presenting some Spirits for sampling this year, and here are a couple tables you should pay attention.

BarSol Pisco
At Table 165, you'll be able to taste some Peruvian Pisco, a type of brandy, which you might have had before in a Pisco Sour cocktail. I enjoy Pisco and recommend you check it out, though you might want to wait to taste it until later in the day because of its higher alcohol content.

Glenrothes/Luxardo
At Table 161, you'll have the chance to taste Glenrothes Scotch and maybe the famous Luxardo cherries. I've tasted much of the Glenrothes portfolio and found much to enjoy. And you can't go wrong with the cherries too.

With everything you'll be drinking, you'll probably want to eat something too, to help soak up some of the alcohol in your belly. There will be numerous food tables at the Expo, from vendors to restaurants, offering free samples. Let me provide a few recommendations for the food as well.

McCrea's Candies
They makes a variety of delicious caramels and I've been enjoying their caramels since 2012. They are a local company and have been regularly exhibiting at the Expo. Last year, they were involved in my favorite food & wine pairing of the Expo. I enjoyed their Black Lava Sea Salt Caramel with the Bodegas Hidalgo-La Gitana Alameda Cream Sherry. The sweet and salty caramel went well with the complex flavors of the Sherry, including its nutty, briny and caramel notes. Visit them at Table 345 and sample some of their compelling caramels.

Cabot Creamery Coop.
Who doesn't love cheese? And cheese and wine go so well together. Stop by Table 820 and sample their various cheeses, and maybe butter and sour cream. Bring your glass of wine and check out how different wines pair with the various cheese.

More Cheese 
At Table 719, you can taste delicious cheese from Finlandia. Check out they Swiss Cheese, Keisarinna Cheese and butter. At Table 838, you'll find the wonderful Irish cheeses of Kerry Gold.

Smackadoodles Cinnamon Rolls
I've never had these cinnamon rolls but they sound intriguing, a diverse mix of flavored cinnamon rolls. So I'll be stopping by Table 239 to check them out. A Boston Cream Pie Cinnamon Roll? Certainly unique.

I hope you find my suggestions helpful in making your plans for the Boston Wine Expo. Expand your palate and seek out wines, spirits and foods new to you!

Advice For Attending The Boston Wine Expo

You're confronted with the opportunity to taste nearly 2000 different wines. There's no way you can taste all of them, or even a large percentage, so what should you do? What is the best strategy to handle this intimidating dilemma? What other advice should you know about attending such a huge wine event?

Let me provide some advice and suggestions.

The annual Boston Wine Expo will be held during President’s Day weekend, February 18 & 19, at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center. Thousands of local wine lovers will attend this event and many would likely benefit from advice for maximizing their enjoyment and education during this large-scale wine event. Even if you have attended the Expo before, you might find some valuable suggestions here.

At the Expo, there will be the usual Grand Tasting, which will feature over 200 producers and about 1800 wines and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. People attend these events for a number of different reasons. Though many don't like to discuss it, there is always a contingent that goes just to get drunk. I don't advise anyone to do this. Instead, have fun, taste wine, but don't over do it. You will want to remember what you experienced and tasted. Use this opportunity to learn about wine, to find new favorites, and to socialize with other wine lovers.

What is my best advice for attending these Grand Tastings? Like many endeavors, the key is in your preparation. Don't just show up and drink, especially if you want to learn anything. Take some time and make a plan. I've attended numerous of these Expos and, based on my experience, I'll help you make an informed plan so you can best enjoy the Expo.

Initial Planning

1) Your first decision needs to be which events you want to attend at the Expo, whether the Grand Tasting, Vintners' Reserve Lounge, and/or the Seminars. You can purchase your tickets online here. Take some time and examine the Boston Wine Expo website and look at which events most appeal to you. I can even provide you a special Promo Code: BloggerTaste17 (not case sensitive), which will provide you a 10% discount if you buy your tickets between January 4 and January 18.

2) It is important to realize that each year the Boston Wine Expo contributes a portion of their proceeds to a local charity and this year the major charitable benefactor will be the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center’s Summer Camp Program for Children with Disabilities. To date, the Boston Guild of Oenophilists has raised over $1.4 million for worthy causes. So you can feel good, knowing that some of the money you pay for your tickets will go to help children in need.

3) The Grand Tasting is the main event, where the 200+ wineries showcase nearly 2000 wines. This is the most popular of the events and the one that will most likely appeal to you. You can go on Saturday or Sunday, or get a Weekend Pass which allows you access on both days. If you can only go one day, I recommend going to Sunday to avoid the largest crowd. Saturdays are usually the busiest day at the Expo. Sunday will still be busy but the crowds are much more manageable. If you want to spoil yourself, opt for the VIP Experience, giving you an early VIP entrance, some swag, and more.

4) For more advanced wine lovers, I'd recommend tickets to the Vintners’ Reserve Lounge, a special tasting room for higher end wines, special vintages, as well as unique small production wines. There will also be food samples there from a number of local restaurants. It is a more intimate event, albeit pricier, and you will taste some amazing wines.

5) Whether you opt for the Grand Tasting or Vintners' Reserve Lounge, you should consider attending one or more of the 35 different Wine Seminars as they can be an excellent choice for more directed wine education in a more intimate setting. You can learn about Port and Chianti Classico, Riesling and Champagne. A few Seminars which sound especially appealing to me include: Fun With Food & Wine Matching, Back To The Future With Georgian Wine, and Decadent & Delicious-Sweet Wines of the World. There are even some spirit-based Seminars, such as The Art of Japanese Whiskey and Gin--From Bathtub To Bottle To Your Glass. Buy tickets early though as seating is limited and seminars can sell out.

6) If attending the Grand Tasting, the sheer number of wines available for tasting, nearly 2000, is intimidating. To make the most of your time at the Expo, you shouldn't just show up at the Expo and wander around tasting wine. You'll probably miss plenty of wines you wished you had tasted. Instead, I strongly recommend that you make a plan beforehand, deciding which wine regions and/or specific wineries tables you want to visit and taste. You cannot taste every wine at the Expo, or probably even 5% of the wines. So you need to be very selective as to what you taste. Check the list of Participating Exhibitors to see which wineries will be at the Expo and select a number you want to visit.

7) When choosing which winery tables to visit, I also recommend that you don't drink wines you already know and like. You can do that anytime and anywhere else. Instead, take this opportunity to expand your palate and try different wines, hoping to find new wines to enjoy. Never had Portuguese wines? Then make an effort to venture to their tables and try some of their wines, from Vinho Verde to Altejano reds. Never had Greek wines, they check out their wines made from grapes like Xynomavro and Agioritiko. With all the diversity of wines available, it makes little sense to spend your time drinking the same wines you drink at home all the time. Be willing to experiment and taste something different. Make the Expo an opportunity to explore the wide world of wine.

8) In the near future, prior to the Expo, I will post an article with my own recommendations for wines you should check out. That will give you some suggestions to help you expand your palate and try some different wines, hoping you'll find some new favorites. For example, at last year's Expo, thirteen of the wines I tasted ended up as some of my Top Favorite Wines of 2016.

Pre-Expo Preparation

9) How will you get to the Expo? Remember that you will be tasting lots of wines so you may not be able to drive home safely. No one should ever drink and drive! So, if you can, take public transportation, book a nearby hotel room, or have a designated driver. Please don't drink and drive. That is the most important advice in this entire post. DON'T DRINK & DRIVE!!

10) Eat a hearty breakfast or lunch before going to the Expo. If you are going to be tasting all that wine, you should have a full stomach to help nullify some of that alcohol. If you go on an empty stomach, the alcohol will hit you harder and quicker, and you won't last long. There will be some food available at these events, but it is much better to start off with a relatively full belly before you even get there.

11) Dress comfortably, noting that there is always the potential you might spill wine on your clothes. So leave those white shirts, blouses, pants, etc. home. It is a casual event so there is no need to get all dressed up, though you are welcome to do so if you desire. Just beware of the possibility of wine spills. It is very important to wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for several hours, walking around the tasting hall. Those high heels might be beautiful, but standing on them for four or five hours could be painful, and dangerous if you get too tipsy.

12) Please don't wear perfume or cologne as they will interfere with your ability to smell the wine, and will also interfere with the ability of other people to do the same. It is very important for a number of attendees to be able to smell the aromas within the wines. That becomes so much more difficult when a strong perfume or cologne clouds their sense of smell. So please show consideration for your fellow attendees and don't wear it.

13) Make sure all your electronics, such as your camera and smartphone, are fully charged. It's a pain when your battery dies half way through the Expo and you are unable to take any more photos. You might also be posting to social media while at the Expo so you want sufficient power in your smart phone to keep you going for the while event.

14) At the Expo, you'll be able to pick up a free plastic bag which can be used to hold any pamphlets, maps, books, business cards, souvenirs, and other items you acquire. However, you might want to bring your own bag instead, maybe a cloth bag, something which has a strap which can rest easily on your shoulder and you won't mind carrying for several hours. The plastic bags you get at the Expo generally must be held in your hand and can't be easily carried on your shoulder. I prefer to have my hands free at the Expo if possible.

15) Arrive at the Expo early so you can beat the the long lines to get into the Expo. You'll be able to enter the Grand Tasting as soon as it opens and can beat the crowds to your first tasting table. You will also be able to find a better parking spot if you are driving to the Expo. Opting for the VIP Experience is another way to gain early VIP entrance.

16) If you drive, leave your coat in your car. The coat check room at the Expo is always crowded and you don't want to waste time waiting in line when you could be wine tasting. The parking lots are close enough so you would only be outside for a few minutes at most without a coat. A New Englander should be able to handle that easily.

At The Expo

17) When you are tasting wines, please spit. Every sip you swallow adds to your alcohol level and if you do not spit, you will soon find yourself intoxicated. Even small sips can add up quickly. Once you are intoxicated, all of the wines will start tasting good to you and you probably won't learn anything. Spitting is the only way to navigate through a large number of wines, trying to discern which new wines appeal to you. So spit, spit, spit! At the very least, minimize the amount of wines you swallow and spit out the rest.

18) While you are tasting wines, take frequent breaks to drink water and eat snacks to help cleanse your palate. There are numerous food vendors at these events, many offering free samples, so there is no excuse why you can't find something to nibble upon. Water is also necessary to stay hydrated and the Expo usually has plenty of free water available. All of this will help keep your palate sharp and also try to limit the effect of all that alcohol.

19) Carry some napkins in your pocket. They will help if you spill any wine, letting you quickly blot up such a spill. In addition, your wine glass is likely to get a little sticky after you've tasted a number of wines and a napkin can help clean off your glass for continued tasting. Plus, if you nibble on some food, an extra napkin can come in handy.

20) If you really enjoy a wine, ask questions about whether it is available or not. Unfortunately, not all of the wines poured at these events are yet available in Massachusetts. If it is available, they should be able to tell you the name of the distributor. Write that info down as it will help you locate the wine later. You can go to your local wine store with that info and they should be able to get the wine for you.

21) If you find a new wine you enjoy, how will you remember it? You can take notes, writing down the name of the wine, or use your smart phone to take a picture of the wine bottle label. Nothing is worse than tasting a great wine but later forgetting its name. You will taste plenty of wines at the Expo so the only way to ensure you remember which ones you enjoyed are to take notes or pictures. Taking a photo of the label is easy and you'll be very glad later that you have a record of your favorite wines.

22) Pair some food with some of the wines you taste. This will help you better appreciate and understand some of the wines you taste. If you taste some dessert wines, find some sweet foods to pair with them. Try pairing cheese with various wines to determine which pairings you like best. It can be important with some tannic wines to pair them with food, such as meat dishes, to better appreciate how they are best enjoyed. There are many possibilities and it is fun to try different wines with different foods.

23) Check out one of the free Chef Demos, held on two different stages, where you can watch chefs, many local, demonstrate recipes and you often get to sample what they prepare. This can be a fun break from all of your wine tasting and you can see some excellent local Chefs. For example, you can see Bing Lu and Preston Miller of the new Peruvian/Asian restaurant RUKA, Johnny Sheehan of Liquid Art House, David Becker of Sweet Basil/Juniper, Justin Winters of Cinquecento Roman Trattoria, and more.

24) Bring cash/debit card/credit card with you just in case you want to purchase anything at the Expo. There will be some food vendors selling their items, as well as other lifestyle vendors, selling everything from jewelry to magazines. Some of these vendors offer special deals for Expo attendees so you can save some money off their regular prices.

25) Most importantly, make sure you have fun!

Boston Wine Expo: An Overview With Food

A fascinating Spanish wine that was a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and old vine Palomino. An intriguing Georgian Rkatsiteli wine fermented in a traditional qvevri. A Sparkling Ribolla Gialla wine from Slovenia. Killer value Portuguese wines under $10. And I found even more delicious and interesting wines at this past weekend's Boston Wine Expo.

The 25th Anniversary of the Boston Wine Expo was held on February 13 & 14 at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center. Presented by the Boston Guild of Oenophilists, the Expo gathered together thousands of wine lovers, producers, importers, distributors and others. As a media guest, I attended both days of the Expo, seeking out new wines, enhancing my wine education, and hanging with friends. Overall, it was a fruitful weekend as I discovered plenty of interesting wines and had lots of fun.

I spent most of my time in the Grand Tasting, which featured over 200 producers and about 1800 wines, though I also checked out the Vintners' Reserve Lounge. At the Expo, I got to see some wine loving friends, including Doug, Todd, Chanie, Brett, and William, and told them about some of my favorite wines. Though I enjoy discovering new wines, I also get much enjoyment from sharing those discoveries with others. And it is even better when your friends also find joy in the wines you recommended. In the next couple weeks, I'll be sharing those finds with my readers too.

Once again, the Grand Tasting offered some intriguing diversity in some respects, but failed in certain areas. On the positive side, you could find wines from lesser known wine countries including Moldava, Lebanon, Israel, Georgia, Romania, Slovenia, and Uruguay. California, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal were well represented. However, some countries and regions had very limited or no representation, including South Africa and Alsace. There were only two Sake producers represented and I would have liked to see more representation, especially from some of the smaller Sake breweries. I also would have liked to see more Spanish Sherry, Ports from Portugal, and Italian Franciacorta.

I understand some of the reasons for the lack of diversity in some areas. It isn't cheap to have a table at the Expo and not all producers, especially the smaller ones, believe they receive a sufficient economic benefit for the cost. Maybe the Expo organizers could try to address this matter by providing reduced pricing for small wineries, maybe based on production levels. In addition, maybe Expo organizers could also be more proactive in trying to bring more exhibitor diversity to the event by actively seeking out producers in regions which have been under-represented in the past.

During the trade hours, from 11am-1pm, I got plenty of work done, tasting a variety of wines, learning about those wines from the producers, distributors and importers, and taking notes. It is a quiet time then, with fewer people around, so you have a greater opportunity to taste and chat. When the Public hours began, at 1pm, it is tougher, especially on Saturday, when the crowds fill the great hall. You often have to wait in line to reach a specific table, and the producers, distributors and importers have less time to speak with each person who comes to their table.

This is probably the main complaint about the Expo, is that it gets too crowded, and that complaint has some validity. Of the two days, Saturday was definitely the more crowded of the two, which is usually the way it is each year. They have tried to separate the tables more, to create larger aisles, to alleviate some of the crowding. In some respects, that has helped, but certain spots still get too crowded so that it is tough to even make your way down the aisle. This is an issue at all major wine event where thousands of people attend.

Besides all the wine available at the Expo, there are a number of food exhibitors, many offering free samples of their products. As I've often repeated, at such a large wine event it's beneficial to have plenty of food samples to help absorb the alcohol and cleanse the palate. I have also recommended before that attendees should try to pair some of these food samples with the wines they taste. For example, I paired some chocolate with a Licor de Tannat, an Uruguayan wine similar to a Port. Did you try any food and wine pairings at the Expo?

I'm going to highlight some of the favorite food and non-wine finds from the Expo, and would like to hear about your own favorites too.

McCrea's Candies makes a variety of delicious caramels and I've been enjoying their caramels since 2012. They are a local company and have been regularly exhibiting at the Expo. This year, they were involved in my favorite food & wine pairing of the Expo. I enjoyed their Black Lava Sea Salt Caramel with the Bodegas Hidalgo-La Gitana Alameda Cream Sherry.  The sweet and salty caramel went well with the complex flavors of the Sherry, including its nutty, briny and caramel notes. A magical combination.

Bella Bella Gourmet Foods, located in Connecticut, represent a group of farms in Sullivan County, New York which raise heirloom poultry, game birds and other meats such as rabbit. They also produce foie gras and foie-related products. At the Expo, they were sampling a number of duck products, from duck bacon to duck prosciutto, and including a duck quesadilla. It was all delicious and near-addictive. They are high quality products, with plenty of flavor, and worth checking out.

Fortuna's Sausage Co. has been producing sausage and other meats for over 100 years. The current third-generation owner is Patti Fortuna-Standard, whose grandparents came to the U.S. from Calabria, Italy. They brought their recipes with them, and they still form the basis of the company. Their products are only available online and at some trade shows. They sell a variety of salumi, all natural and nitrate free, from Pepperoni to Salami, many priced about $16-$20 for a 9-10 ounce stick.

At the Expo, they offered samples of maybe seven or eight of their products and all of them were tasty, with a nice blend of spices and meat. The Pepperoni were excellent as was the Soupy, which is also known as Supri, Suppi, and Calabrese salami. They have five varieties of Soupy, including Sweet, Mild, Hot, Extra Hot and Nuclear Hot. The Hot Soupy, with a meaty, savory taste, also had a spicy kick on the finish, a slow growing burn in your mouth. I tried the Nuclear Hot as well, and it certainly left a fiery burn in your mouth, deserving of its label, but again it was something that slowly built over time in your mouth until it became an inferno. I know some people who will love it!

Mamadou's Artisan Bakery, located at 63 Swanton Street in Winchester, is one of my favorite bread bakeries. They were selling some of their delicious breads at the Expo and I picked up a baguette. It was good to walk around the tasting, being able to snack on some crusty bread in between sips. If you haven't stopped by their bakery, I highly recommend you do so.

In the Vintner's Reserve Lounge, Chef Ming Tsai offered one of the best dishes of the Expo, Red Roast Duck Tostadas with a spicy pineapple salsa and avocado puree (though I had mine without the avocado). The duck was tender and flavorful, with a nice blend of spices, and the salsa added a mildly spicy kick. The tortilla chip made a nice vehicle for the duck and I enjoyed several of these tostadas as I sampled several wines. It went especially well with both a Provence Rosé and a Spanish Mencia.

Chef Brendan Pelley, formerly of Zebra's Bistro, has launched a new project, a Greek inspired pop-up called Pellekasis. It is located in Wink & Nod and will be around for maybe another six months or so. Chef Pelley is hoping that it might lead to a future brick and mortar restaurant. I like that Chef Pelley is presenting Greek cuisine, but with some new techniques and ingredients, bringing a fresh approach. At the Expo, Chef Pelley conducted a Chef Demo, creating Wild Boar Keftedes, meatballs, his own spin on a Greek classic. He adds a bit of an Asian flair, using soy sauce and panko in his recipe. The meatballs  were moist and flavorful, and I love that he used wild boar. I need to check out Pellekasis soon.

Jonathan Potash, the Cocktail Guru, is pictured above with Kirsten "Kitty" Amann, both very well known in the Boston cocktail scene. They presented two different wine cocktails, The Wiseguy and the Santa Vino.  Both were intriguing cocktails, well balanced and tasty, though my favorite was The Wiseguy as I liked its smoky edge accompanying the yuzu and banana flavors. These cocktails were a nice addition to the Expo.

During the next couple weeks, I'll be posting reviews of the wines I most enjoyed at the Expo. Stay tuned..

Advice For Attending The Boston Wine Expo

You're confronted with the opportunity to taste nearly 2000 different wines. There's no way you can taste all of them, or even a large percentage, so what should you do? What is the best strategy to handle this dilemma? What other advice should you know about attending such a huge event?

Next month, the Boston Wine Expo will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary during President’s Day weekend, February 13 & 14, at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center. Presented by the Boston Guild of Oenophilists, the Expo will be even larger this year with a number of special features to celebrate this milestone. Thousands of local wine lovers will attend this event and they would benefit from advice and suggestions for getting the most out of this event.

At the Expo, there will be the usual Grand Tasting, which will feature over 200 producers and about 1800 wines and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. People attend these events for a number of different reasons. Though many don't like to discuss it, there is always a contingent that goes just to get drunk. I don't advise anyone to do this. Instead, have fun, taste wine, but don't over do it. You will want to remember what you experienced. Use this opportunity to learn about wine, to find new favorites, and to socialize with other wine lovers.

What is my best advice for attending these Grand Tastings? Like many endeavors, the key is in your preparation. Don't just show up and drink, especially if you want to learn anything.

1) To make the most of your time at the Expo, you need to make a plan of which wine regions and/or specific wineries tables you want to visit and taste. You cannot taste every wine at the Expo, or probably even 5% of the wines. So you need to be very selective as to what you taste. If you don't go with a plan, you may waste time wandering around the hall, and might even miss a winery that you really wanted to check out. Check this site for a list of the participating exhibitors and spend some time deciding on where you want to go.

2) Don't drink wines you already know and like. You can do that anytime and anywhere else. Instead, take this opportunity to expand your palate and try different wines, hoping to find new wines to enjoy. Never had Portuguese wines? Then make an effort to venture to their tables and try some of their wines, from Vinho Verde to Altejano reds. With all the diversity of wines available, it makes little sense to spend your time drinking the same wines you drink at home all the time. Be willing to experiment and taste something different. Make the Expo an opportunity to explore the wide world of wine.

3) To avoid the largest crowd, go on Sunday rather than Saturday. Saturdays in the Grand Tastings are more crowded with a huge horde of attendees. Sunday though does not attract as large a horde of wine lovers. It will still be crowded, but is more manageable.

4) Dress comfortably, noting that there is always the potential you might spill wine on your clothes. So leave those white shirts, blouses, pants,etc. home. It is a casual event so there is no need to get all dressed use, though you are welcome to do so if you desire. Just beware of the possibility of wine spills. It is very important to wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for several hours, walking around the tasting hall.

5) Don't wear perfume or cologne as they will interfere with your ability to smell the wine, and will also interfere with the ability of other people to do the same. So show consideration for your fellow attendees and please don't wear it.

6) Eat a hearty breakfast or lunch before going to the Expo. If you are going to be tasting all that wine, you want to have a full stomach to help nullify some of that alcohol. If you go on an empty stomach, the alcohol will hit you harder and quicker, and you won't last long. There will be some food available at these events, but it is much better to start off with a fully belly before you even get there.

7) Make sure all your electronics, such as your camera and smartphone, are fully charged. It's a pain when your battery dies half way through the Expo and you are unable to take any more photos. You might also be posting to social media while at the Expo so you want sufficient power in your smart phone to keep you going for the while event.

8) How will you get to the Expo? Remember that you will be tasting lots of wines so you may not be able to drive home safely. No one should ever drink and drive! So, if you can, take public transportation, book a nearby hotel room, or have a designated driver. Please don't drink and drive. That is the most important advice in this entire post. DON'T DRINK & DRIVE!!

9) Arrive at the Expo early as you'll beat the the long line to get into the Expo. You'll be able to enter the Grand Tasting as soon as it opens and can beat the crowds to your first tasting table. You will also be able to find a better parking spot if you drive to the Expo.

10) If you drive, leave your coat in your car. The coat check room at the Expo is always crowded and you don't want to waste time waiting in line when you could be wine tasting. The parking lots are close enough so you would only be outside for a few minutes without a coat. A New Englander should be able to handle that easily.

11) When you are tasting wines, please spit. Every sip you swallow adds to your alcohol level and if you do not spit, you will soon find yourself intoxicated. Even small sips can add up quickly. Once you are intoxicated, all of the wines will start tasting good to you and you probably won't learn anything. Spitting is the only way to navigate through a large number of wines, trying to discern which new wines appeal to you. So spit, spit, spit!

12) While you are tasting wines, take frequent breaks to drink water and eat snacks to help cleanse your palate. There are numerous food vendors at these events, many offering free samples, so there is no excuse why you can't find something to nibble upon. Water is also necessary to stay hydrated and the Expo usually has plenty of free water available. All of this will help keep your palate sharp and also try to limit the effect of all that alcohol.

13) Pair some foods with wines while you are there. This will help you better appreciate and understand some of the wines you taste.  Try some McCrea's Candies Caramels and Bubbly. Try some Port and Blue Cheese. There are many possibilities and it is fun to try different wines with different foods.

14) If you find a new wine you enjoy, how will you remember it? You can take notes, writing down the name of the wine, or use your smart phone to take a picture of the wine bottle label. Nothing is worse than tasting a great wine but later forgetting its name. You will taste plenty of wines at the Expo so the only way to ensure you remember which ones you enjoyed are to take notes or pictures. Taking a photo of the label is easy and you'll be very glad later that you have a record of your favorite wines.

15) If you really enjoy a wine, ask questions about whether it is available or not. Unfortunately, not all of the wines poured at these events are yet available in Massachusetts. If it is available, they should be able to tell you the name of the distributor. Write that info down as it will help you locate the wine later. You can go to your local wine store with that info and they should be able to get the wine for you.

16) At the Expo, consider attending one of the 40 different Wine Seminars as they can be an excellent wine for more directed wine education, in a more intimate setting. You can learn about Champagne and Chianti Classico, Rioja and Burgundy. A few Seminars which sound especially appealing to me include: New England Cider; Sherry for Billionaires and Historians (a chance to taste some very old Sherries); and Decadent & Delicious: Sweet Wines of the World. Buy tickets early though as seating is limited and seminars can sell out.

17) Debuting this year will be a special W?NE Bar,  where you can stop and ask members of the Boston Sommelier Society your wine-related questions as well as get a retrospective of the industry’s past 25 years and what to expect in the next 25 years. This will be an opportunity to ask any of your wine-related questions that might arise at the Expo.

18) Check out one of the free Chef Demos, where you can watch chefs, many local, demonstrate recipes and you often get to sample what they prepare. This can be a fun break from all of your wine tasting and you can see Chefs including Ming Tsai,  Barbara Lynch, Chris Coombs, Louis DiBicarri, and Rachel Klein.

19) For more advanced wine lovers, get a ticket to the Vintners’ Reserve Lounge, a special tasting room for higher end wines, special vintages, as well as unique small production wines. There will be food samples there from a number of local restaurants and this year, you will also be able to indulge your sweet tooth at the 25th anniversary Dessert Bar featuring treats designed to pair with the special wines.

20) Make sure you have fun!