And, this year you will see a significant number of brewers at the show with some 20 craft brews to taste.
New and different wines, a larger and more diverse food selection than last year, and more craft beers will highlight this year’s WGBY-TV, Channel 57, 28th annual Wine Lovers Weekend.
The popular event for wine connoisseurs and those who want to improve their knowledge of good wines from the affordable to more pricey selections, kicks off Friday night with a Wine and Food Tasting where lovers of the grape can sample hundreds of wines from around the world alongside specialty foods. For those with discriminating tastes who appreciate only wines from the top shelves, there is a special Connoisseur’s Room, where they can experience extraordinary wines in addition to the wide selection in the main tasting room. Tickets are $45 for the tasting or $75 for the tasting and Connoisseur’s Room.
The weekend continues on Saturday night when WGBY hosts the Wine Lovers Dinner preceded by a champagne reception. Each of the seven courses is then creatively paired with wines that compliment them. Chef and local restaurateur Claudio Guerra created this year's menu around this theme: 7 Countries, 7 Courses, 7 Wines. Guerra will provide commentary about his selections along with Wine Committee Chairman Jim Holsing.
This year WGBY has a new partner – Provisions, Northampton’s newest wine and specialty food store – in their wine enterprise.
“Over the past year, we've supported many local arts organizations and had the honor of providing the wines as a major sponsor for the WGBY Masterpiece Ball. We're proud to be a member of a community that strongly values the arts, cultural events, and quality news and information,” said owner Gordon Alexander.
“Wine lovers will see a fresh mix of wines, many never seen at the event before. By nature our store works with smaller importers, smaller growers and artisan producers. And, this year you will see a significant number of brewers at the show with some 20 craft brews to taste, as well as cider makers from the Valley,” he added.
Among the new wineries pouring on Friday night will be Black Birch Vineyard from Southampton. Eschewing the fruit wine market, vintners at Black Birch produce wines such as Rieslling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and others.
“I got talking with them and they have this interesting wine that they wanted to provide for our dinner. It’s called Blaufrankisch and it is a red grape mostly centered in Austria. It’s a Pinot Noir type grape and it’s delightful,” said James J. Holsing, WGBY Wine Committee Chair.
He said the growers at Black Birch Viineyard have about 10 different grapes planted on their property to see what will grow best.
“I believe we love wine so much because it is so varied in its flavors and can accompany almost any food you eat,” said Holsing.
And, there will be plenty to eat at this year’s tasting with over 30 food vendors attending.
“We have more vendors than last year and a much greater variety,” said Holsing.
In addition to artisan cheeses and breads to accompany a good vintage, there will be more substantial creations such as bumble bee stew, smoked sausage, seafood alfredo, silky corn soup shots, twiced baked cheddar potatoes, tacos, bison meatballs with pomodoro sauce, crepes, smoked salmon, Indian food and more.