Ken's Tips for Attending the Boston Wine Expo

Are you planning on attending this year’s Boston Wine Expo? If so, below is a list of helpful tips that I have gathered over the years to make your experience one to remember.

As you know, the Boston Wine Expo is one of the largest consumer wine events in the county. It's a fun wine event with opportunities to try many different types of wine from around the world. However, if you have never attended before, you might want to refer to my tried and true list of tips below.

Ken's Top 10 Practical Tips for Attending the Boston Wine Expo:

1.) Map out the wineries you want to visit ahead of time. The list of attending wineries is listed on the Boston Wine Expo website in alphabetical order. Match the table numbers and plan your visits to sample based upon sections. i.e. Create a list of all the wineries you want to visit from Aisle 500 and visit them all at once.

2.) Eat a large lunch before you go in.

3.) Bring your own large wine glass or at least a wine charm to differentiate your glass from others.

4.) Check your coat. You probably won't feel like carrying it around for four hours.

5.) Spit!! It is the only way to try so many wines and not pay for it the next day.

6.) Bring food in with you. (Apple slices "for palate cleansing", small cheese chunks, crackers, and baguette slices).

7.) Bring a backpack to collect magazines and other materials of interest to you.

8.) Bring a large water bottle (you can refill it).

9.) Bring a pad and two pens for your wine tasting notes.

10.) Have a designated driver!!! No matter how much you spit, it's probably not enough. Be safe and enjoy!

Do you have any practical tips for attending the Boston Wine Expo? If so, please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.

Theresa and Ken

Seventh Annual Worcester Wine and Food Festival

I have attended the Worcester Wine and Food Festival in the past and can tell you it is one of the best wine events in the area. Not only do they have a reasonable amount of wine selections, but the food served at this event is plentiful and absolutely delicious. I could not stop talking about it.

This years event is planned for Monday, February 9, 2009 at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, Massachusetts from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. You will have the opportunity to taste fine wines from both domestic and international winemakers and to sample signature dishes from some of the finest local restaurants, caterers, and specialty food purveyors.

The general admission fee for the festival is $45 per person. The proceeds raised at the festival benefit economically disadvantaged children and youth who attend the Jewish Community Center programs through the JCC's Tuition Scholarship Program. You can feel really good about attending while savoring the wine and food at the same time. This is a not to be missed event for wine and food lovers! I will be there and hope to see you as well.

Cheers,
Ken