In a season of shuttered tasting rooms and empty vineyards, wine explorers turn their sights to the best winter wine festivals, where new winemakers, meet-and-greets and master class tastings take the place of wine country tours. We’ve checked out five great winter wine festivals (and a bonus entry) for oenophiles and casual sippers alike.
Boston, Massachusetts – Jan. 31–March 27
The Boston Wine & Food Festival celebrates its 35th year starting in mid-January, with weeks of food and wine events centered around the Boston Harbor Hotel. Participating wineries include France’s Champagne Mandois and Domaine De La Romanée-Conti, prizewinning pinot noirs from Oregon’s Chehalem Winery and California jewels like Opus One and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Themed dinner from acclaimed winemakers have a lighter, playful touch. Past events include Battle of the Cabernets, Meritage Madness, and Old World/New World Pinot. This year includes a gala dinner put on by women in the wine industry, including Marvina Robinson of B. Stuyvesant, Jamie Araujo of Triox Noix, Lauren Daddona of AP Wine Imports, and Rebecca George of Brandlin. Intensive seminars are a standout feature of the Boston bash, with master classes focusing on Italian wine regions, the world of Rosé and the terroir of the Willamette Valley.
Naples, Florida – Jan. 24-26
This prestigious Naples Winter Wine Festival pulls winemakers to Florida’s sunny winter climes from around the world. Set at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, this festival has attracted top-tier winemakers, including Opus One, Harlan Estate, Maison Joseph Drouhin, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Screaming Eagle. Its auction is highly anticipated among collectors, and menu options will feature fare from the heart of different wine regions, from California to Italy and France.
High-end enjoyment is the order of the day, with a 40-person Vintage Cellar tasting with Château d’Yquem president and CEO Pierre Lurton and Estate Manager Lorenzo Pasquini. Lisa Perrotti-Brown of The Wine Independent will serve as moderator as guests do a vertical tasting of the Estate’s 1962, 1983, 1990, 1998, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2015, 2017 and 2021 vintages. Tickets for this separate event are $3,750. The festival offers exclusive packages ranging from $15,000 to $35,000. Since its founding in 2001, proceeds from the festival have raised more than $269 million for children’s charities.
New Castle, New Hampshire - Jan. 17-Feb. 07
The island setting of the Winter Wine Festival, nestled on the grounds of the storied Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, brings some gastronomic grandeur to the New England coast. Events vary, from sparkling wine jazz brunches, themed wine flights and marquee tastings. The Jan. 19 and Feb. 9 Big Tastings held in the ballroom give visitors a chance to explore an array of wines and food while setting their own pace. Tickets are $69. The Jan. 20 Grand Vintner’s Dinner headline event will feature Miles MacDonnell of Napa’s Round Pond Estate, who’ll lead the four-course dinner, featuring produce and olive oil from the estate. Tickets are $199.
Niagara, Ontario – Jan. 10-26
The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival celebrates Canada’s iconic dessert varietal, ice wine. Made from grapes frozen on the vine, this is a sweet but subtle beverage that visitors can discover, along with the rest of the surprisingly vibrant Ontario wine region. The festival’s capstone event, the Cool As Ice Gala on Jan. 13 showcases more than the many producers of this quality dessert wine and dishes from local chefs. Set in the Niagara Parks Power Station, you can wander down a 2,200-feet long tunnel leading directly to Niagara Falls. Barrels are not provided!
Whether you’re into gourmet après ski celebrations, exploring a rich wine region, seeking some sun with your food and wine fun or trying to warm up a wintry climate, these festivals put flavor and taste front and center.
