Boston Wine Expo 2010

January 23rd and 24th 2010 marks the 19th year of the biggest wine event in the country. 440 exhibitors pouring approximately 1,800 different wines from all over the world.

I have been going to the Boston Wine Expo (BWE) for the last 15 years, as an attendee as well as an exhibitor. To be quite honest I prefer to be working the event. even though it is two very long days of heavy pouring. and dealing with huge crowds of people. This year will be no different, I will be there the two full days.

It's just to many people getting snockered. If I had to pay to go I probably would not... The price for a couple to go is $180.00. For that kind of money two people can have a great dinner in Boston with a good bottle of wine, in a nice, romantic candle lite dinner, with even, maybe, some nice live music to go with it... It's no wonder why people go into the expo and try to get their monney's worth, by getting absolutely shitfaced... Can't blame them I guess... But at least, the BWE organization is advertising that over the years they have donated approximately $1,000,000.00 to more than 27 charitable organizations.

Let me give you some tips on how to do this event with some dignity, maximize what this tasting has to offer and save money...

The average price for one day ticket is $90.00 per person, and $140.00 for a two day pass (If as you are considerate general public). If you are trade (restaurant, liquors store, journalist) then it is $45.00 per day and each liquor licensee is allowed 2 free tickets for Sunday (there are a tremendous amount license holders that don't care to go. They can't go on Saturday because it's their busiest day of the week and Sunday is their day off and going to a crowded place is the last thing on their mind. So they maybe willing to let you go under their business name or if they go, you go with them). My suggestion is to talk with the owner/manager of your favorite restaurant/liquor store and ask them if they are going and/or if you can go with their discounted prices. This will not only save you some money but will also get you early access to the grand tasting. Trade hours are 11:00AM - 1:00PM both days, this means that you can actually walk around without being pushed all over the place, until 1:00PM, you can also hold a conversation with the folks working the tables because 1) there aren't a lot of patrons sipping the wines 2) you will have a trade badge which means you are a potential buyer; And vendors, like myself, like that very much... 3) if you demonstrate interest for their product you even might taste some of the wines that the representative has under the table, for the "so called" special customers ;) I always have wine under my the table... It's going to be something that I will have a glass or two myself...
Now, if you are able to go as a trade member, then you also have to do your homework.

• Search for the wines that are being poured -- This link starts by listing vendors first, then they are listed by winery and table number (just scroll down) print this page and mark the wines that look interesting to you. Then when you are there go to the tables that you have marked (if, on your way from table to table you see something else you may like to taste make a quick stop but don't lose your focus) if you know what you want to taste you will be prepared to ask for the wine by name when you get to the table, instead of saying "What you got?" or "I'll have the Chardonnay" when you are at the Austrian, German, or Portuguese table and they don't have Chardonnay... Get my point? This is the type of thing that makes wine makers, that travel across the ocean, cringe... Then consumers say "he's such a snobby S.O.B." True, the vendor could be a bit more patient with these types of consumers... But the consumer could also be a bit more interested in actually finding out a bit more about the wine they are about to taste. Some basics at least, like what country?!

• Do you want to look like a pro -- This is not necessary but it is the correct step by step way to taste wines:

1) Notice the color of the wine as you tilt your glass, against a white background, to see the wine from its very thinnest and lightest to its deepest in color.

2) Bring the wine to your nose to inhale the aroma and take note of what scent first makes itself known to you.

3) Gently swirl the wine inside the bowl of the glass to coat the sides. Notice how quickly or slowly the wine filters down after you stop swirling (this is called LEGS). Then lift the wine to your nose to inhale the aromas. Take note of the scent you get and compare to the first time you nose it.

4) Take a sip and swish the wine throughout your mouth. This method helps to bring the wine to all parts of the mouth and tongue, allowing each taste sensation to be detected. You may allow a little air through your mouth; this further intensifies the flavors.

5) Swallow the wine or spit (there are a lot of wines to taste at this expo, be careful)... I remember when I started to go to tastings and i was so tough "I don't spit" I used to say. Then I would be carried home and had no recollection of any of the great wines I tasted... Ouch...

6) Take note of how long the flavor of the wine stays in your mouth. This is referred to as the “FINISH” and will leave the lasting impression of the wine with you

Enjoy and have fun

There are, also, a few wine seminars and celebrity chef demonstrations that maybe interesting to check out...

If you go or went let me know your thoughts... I will be at the ViniPortugal booth... pouring a lot of different wines come by to see me, if you mention this blog I'll be sure to pour you the wine I'll have under the table...

Ciao,

augusto