A Preview of the 2015 Boston Wine Expo

   It's almost that time again! The Boston Wine Expo is returning to the Seaport Hotel Feb 14-15, 2015. I'm a huge fan of the Boston Wine Expo, and if you're like me you're already planning your strategy for this year! The expo is huge and can feel overwhelming if you've never been. It's also easy to drink a lot right away, but if you start to get tipsy you won't pick up on all of the flavor profiles and subtleties of the wines you're tasting (and may not remember them). Here are a few tips I've learned from 2013 and 2014 to get the most out of the experience:

1. Go both days and arrive as early as possible
2. Leave your coat in the car, there will be a long coat check line
3. Do not go on an empty stomach - there are food samples, but not enough to fill you before you start tasting wine
4. Many professionals will tell you to always spit when tasting wine (see my point above) but that isn't always fun. Try to spit half the time, or only keep sipping (and swallow) your favorites!
5. Look up the list of exhibitors in advance and make a list of the ones you want to try most
6. When you arrive, find those exhibitors on your map, mark them, and visit them in order
7. Once you've hit up all of your must try places, do a second loop and explore!
8. Now that you have some tips for a game plan, here's what you can expect in 2015! I recently attended a preview event and got to sample wines from some of the participating makers. 

   One of the first tables I hit up was 90+ Cellars, where I not only tried some amazing wines but I also met Caitlin of Cait Plus Ate. I love her blog and have followed her for awhile now, but this is the first time we met in person! My favorite from 90 Plus was lot 90, the Rosso Toscana, an amazing Super Tuscan with flavors of dark chocolate and black currant. I also learned 90 Plus has started their own new label Ironside, and sampled the first release - a California Cabernet.
   My next stop was the Anna de Codorniu table, where I sampled some delicious sparkling rose. Sparkling rose is always one of my favorites, and this did not disappoint! It was light with notes of strawberries and cherries.
   Another favorite was Marisco Winery - they were sampling some really delicious and unusual Sauvignon Blancs.
   I also enjoyed wines from Alexander Valley, Dos Familias, Hope Family, LGL Imports, Merriam Vineyards, and Rutherford Family.
   All of the wineries I mentioned will be tasting at the wine expo, and you should definitely check them out! Additionally, the 2015 Wine Expo will include the following:
Grand Tasting: The main exhibit, featuring over 200 exhibitors and 2,000 wines

Vintner's Reserve Lounge: A smaller exhibit featuring unique wines that generally retail for over $75 a bottle, plus tastes from some of Boston's finest restaurants.
VIP Experience: This allows you into the expo 30 minutes early, a separate line and coat check, and access to a VIP lounge

Seminars: Included in the general admission price, these educational sessions are going on throughout the weekend and feature talks and demonstrations from experts in the food and wine industry
   Tickets are now on sale, and early bird prices are available through the end of the month. I'll also be hosting a giveaway for a pair of tickets in the next couple of months! Be sure to check back for your chance to wine!