Tips for Navigating the Boston Wine Expo

          It's almost that time again! The Boston Wine Expo is returning to the Seaport Hotel This Feb! 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!

   

The Wine Expo typically includes 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, grab them now for any last minute Christmas gifts on your list!