Every year wine lovers gather at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Resort for a fun-filled weekend of tastings and new experiences. The event known as Winefest brings new and exciting wines, spirits and related goods to the masses via a small convention in the Mohegan Sun convention Center. For a small entrance fee, guests can enjoy unlimited samples of beverages, courtesy of a wide assortment of Vendors from all over the country. Winefest takes place over 3 days. This year the festivities began on a Friday night with a Bourbon tasting and Cigar sampling session. Saturday is the start of the grand tastings one of the weekend’s highlights. The tasting takes place in the Uncas Ballroom, where the vendors have set up tables to serve guests their wares. Some of our favorites from the event include:
The Best Damn Rootbeer
The Best Damn Brewing Company of Missouri brought their delicious hard root beer to Winefest. If you love root beer this is the drink for you. It packs all te familiar flavor of root beer with the soothing embrace of alcohol.
Not Your Father’s Gingerale
Another hybrid beverage, Not Your Father’s Ginger Ale is a delicious alcoholic version of ginger ale. The drink is aromatic with citrusy notes and a hint of warm ginger.
Fishers Island Lemonade
One of the best things about Winefest is the opportunity to meet and greet the owners and learn a little about the process of making a new brew. Bronya Shillo is the creator of the unique brew that combines vodka and whiskey with natural juice and flavors.
Sakkonet Vineyards
Straight outta Compton Rhode Island, Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards has provided visitors with the opportunity to sample wines from a local vineyard for over forty years. The Siren is our favorite wine from this vineyard. The flavor is light and fruity and pairs well with fresh salads and seafood.
Jameson Irish Whiskey
We’ve enjoyed Jameson on numerous occasions but Winefest offered us our first opportunity to sample their black barrel select reserve. The flavor is bold and intense.
Olmeca Altos Tequila
Altos Tequila is made from 100% blue Agave from the Los Altos region of Mexico. This handcrafted tequila is made using ancient methods for a smooth authentic flavor.
Barefoot Bubbly
If you like Barefoot Wines you will love Barefoot bubbly. This effervescent cocktail is available in four great flavors. Our favorite flavor is the tropical fusion a sweet fruity blend of pineapple, mango, and papaya.
Gnarly Head
This wine brand received its name from the Gnarled vines their grapes are picked from. The bold full bodied flavor these gnarled vines produce is deliciously complex and juicy.
Mumm Napa
Mumm Napa produces some of the finest sparkling wine in the country. Their Brut Rose is a tasty blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a hint of red wine.
Along with sampling fine wines, guests were also invited to enjoy demonstrations from some of the country’s top chefs. One of our favorite chefs Rocco Dispirito provided a demonstration on Avocado Toast with Spinach and Tomatoes, a recipe from his latest cookbook and meal plan, The Negative Calorie Diet. Chef Rocco also signed copies of his book after the demo.
Attendees were also invited to a complimentary makeover from the gifted students of Paul Mitchell North Haven. We took full advantage of this service. After all the walking around and excitement of Winefest our tresses were in need of some TLC. An adorable redhead named Felicia tamed our mane and refreshed our tired makeup. After just a few minutes in her chair we were pumped and ready to discover all Mohegan Sun had to offer.
The Mohegan Sun Casino is more than just tables and slots. The venue also has:
- A 20,000 square foot Spa by Elemis
- Over 40 Bars, Restaurants and Lounges
- Three entertainment venues including a 10.00 seat arena and an upscale edgy comedy club.
- One of the largest ballrooms in the Northeast.
Winefest may be over but there’s always something happening at Mohegan Sun. For a complete list of upcoming events or to book a special getaway visit, MoheganSun.com.