I am somewhat interested in attending the Wine Spectator event in New York this coming October. The cost is quite high, so I am not sure if I can go, but if anyone here has been to this event in the past, please let me know if it is worth the money and what your thoughts and experiences were. Thank you so much for any replies from those who have been there.

I want to know if it's going to be in Chicago, soon.

I've never been, but I can tell you that quite a few tiny, "local" Anderson Valley wineries are going to pour very small production, hard-to-find-outside-the-area wines. If this is true for other out of the way wine regions, sounds like it would be great.

There was a WS event in Atlantic City a couple of years ago, and it was more international. I paid $150 (I think), and I thought it was worth the price of admission. There were First Growths, Ornellaias, and more wines I could taste in one evening.

The pros I thoughts were: 1) diversity of wines, 2) buffet appetizers including dessert, and 3) plenty of water.

The cons: 1) First Growths offered the lesser vintages like 2002 and 2003 (definitely not 2000s), 2) the venue could've used more tables you can put your drink and plate on or seats where you can sit down, and 3) it can get crowded at the buffet tables and the more popular wines.

As for this upcoming event in New York, it appears to be more California-centric. I would review the wineries who are planning on being there, and if you like the list, then it may be worth going for you. Second, I would bring one of those wine glass holders that allow you to hang it on your neck to free up your hands. Third, I would get there early and have some kind of plan in tasting the wines. I would abandon the white wines first strategy since you never know when the generally more popular red wines run out.

Yep, agree with DoubleD, except the part about the wine holder: LOTS of fine ladies there, don't style the neck ornament, . I went to one of the Grand Tour events (similar, but more international) this Spring. Beg, borrow or flirt to get the table list beforehand, get in line early, forget trying to taste everything (visit Marty at the KKennedy table), and don't plan on driving afterwards. Have fun!!!

pray, my son.

quote:

Originally posted by Berno:
I want to know if it's going to be in Chicago, soon.

quote:

Originally posted by DoubleD:
I would bring one of those wine glass holders that allow you to hang it on your neck to free up your hands.

2 questions:

1. How many fanny packs to you own?

2. How often do you buy things from sky mall?

quote:

Originally posted by GlennK:

quote:

Originally posted by DoubleD:
I would bring one of those wine glass holders that allow you to hang it on your neck to free up your hands.

2 questions:

1. How many fanny packs to you own?

2. How often do you buy things from sky mall?

Touche Glenn. Fortunately, I've never had a fanny pack, bought anything from the skymall, or worn the wine thingy around your neck. It was just a suggestion. I do, on occasion, put my slide ruler and mechanical pencil in my shirt pocket.