New York Wine Festivals has announced their 5th Annual NYC Winter Wine Festival at the Best Buy Theater on Saturday, February 8, 2014. The Times Square tasting event will feature 250+ wines selected by the experts at Vintry Fine Wines, light accompaniments of pasta, artisan breads, cheeses and hors d'oeuvres, plus sampling tables from area artisan food companies. Attendees will enjoy live contemporary jazz performances during each tasting session by 2013 Smooth Jazz Keyboardist of the Year Brian Simpson and his band, and will also get to take home a luxe wine glass after the tasting.
Tasting tables located throughout the expansive venue will have a myriad of wines curated by Vintry Fine Wines. "This grand tasting will feature a compelling selection from the United States to other world-renowned regions abroad as well as wines from off the beaten path. From Champagne and Napa Valley to Rioja and Santorini, the event provides a great opportunity for attendees to discover the great wines of the world," details Mike Martin, Wine Director of Vintry Fine Wines.
New York Wine Festivals' popular February wine festivals have sold out for the past 4 years and the upcoming 5th annual event is expected to do the same. Festival attendees can choose from two sessions: Afternoon: 3-6pm or Evening: 8-11pm. For an additional fee, guests may take a VIP Wine Class taught by Vintry Fine Wines' Director of Education, Sommelier Kristie Petrullo.
"We're thrilled to be back at the Best Buy Theater once again with an amazing curated wine selection by Vintry Fine Wines," notes S.W. Kimball, Founder, New York Wine Festivals. "Great wine, appealing light fare, and live performances by contemporary jazz keyboardist Brian Simpson, will create a dynamic wine and entertainment experience for our guests," he adds.
Musical guest, celebrated keyboardist Brian Simpson has been the 'go-to' man for an array of top artists in jazz, R&B, and pop including Janet Jackson, the late Teena Marie, and more. Known for his ability to sculpt timeless love songs, soulful party anthems and melodies that stay on your mind, Brian is truly a master at his craft. Placing his pop success aside, he has always been a working jazz musician, touring with some of the greats of recent jazz history including George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Larry Carlton, Kirk Whalum, and Jonathan Butler. For the past 15 years, Brian has served as the musical director for jazz saxophonist Dave Koz, and for the last 8 years, musical director, of the popular "Smooth Jazz Cruise" featuring Marcus Miller and David Sanborn. In 2013, Brian was honored with the American Smooth Jazz Keyboardist of the Year Award.
In order for attendees to easily recollect and access their favorite wines from the event, this year's festival will showcase and utilize Winevento, the free iPhone app that lets users Rate, Favorite, Save & Share wines at participating tasting events. An Android version of the app will be unveiled at the February 8th festival as well. WiFi access will be available for attendees to download and use the app and screens throughout the venue will note users' top-rated wines in real time.
Sponsors to date include: Cabot Creamery, DNAinfo.com, Green Mountain Energy, Jams by Kim, Take Things Personally, The Naked Grape Wine, OneHope Wine, Sherry's ShortCakes, Sweet Silk Confections, TMRW: The Most Romantic Wine, Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry, Well Dressed Nut, and Wine Sisterhood. WCBS 101.1 FM and Fresh 102.7 are media partners of the event.
Tickets for the 2014 NYC Winter Wine Festival are $79 and are on sale now. (Final 2 Weeks: $89) Space is limited; advance purchase is highly recommended. An additional $25 fee applies to those adding a wine class to their festival experience.
For details or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.nywinefestivals.com or order by phone at (866) 811-4111.
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