I am by all accounts a Rum and Vodka lover, however since the very first time I saw Olivia Pope wrap her lips around a wine glass I’ve been intrigued by this fermented grape beverage. What is so great about it? I’ve had wines and champagnes over the years sipping out of necessity but rarely with appreciation. Since I am a practicing foodie I need to open up my palate so I can speak knowledgeably about pairings and profiles. To help me with my quest my editor invited me to experience Mohegan Sun’s 12th Annual Sun Winefest. The event which raises money for charity features many booths from local and national vineyards all offering a sampling of their top products. Having been to Brewfest several times, I was excited at the opportunity to visit one of my favorite destinations. Mohegan Sun is an expansive venue with tons of great amenities and activities. Some of Mohegan Sun‘s features include:
More than 300,000 square feet of gaming excitement within three casinos—Casino of the Earth, Sky & Wind, including smoke-free areas
A 34-story, 1,200-room luxury hotel tower
A 20,000 square-foot world-class spa by Elemis
The Shops at Mohegan Sun, a 130,000 square-foot retail shopping experience
40 restaurants, bars and lounges
Three entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena; a 400-seat Cabaret Theatre and a 350-seat Wolf Den
More than 100,000 square feet of meeting and function space, including one of the largest ballrooms in the Northeast
A professionally-managed business center
10,000 square-foot indoor pool
A 17,500 square-foot outdoor sun terrace
3-story crystal mountain
A 55-foot indoor waterfall
An electrifying water wall
Winefest is a three day series of events that begins on Friday night with a bourbon tasting sponsored by Jim Beam. I arrived on Saturday morning just in time for an amazing breakfast buffet at Seasons Buffet before heading right into the convention center for the booths at Winefest. Upon entering we were given a clean wineglass, a map and a brochure to help us on our journey. Some of the brands I gravitated towards to and overall favorites from the event included:
1. Barefoot Wine and Bubbly- This wine company offers some incredibly tasty reasonably priced options for a wine novice. One of our favorite options is the Peach Fusion bubbly it is a sweet bubbly treat with the fruity flavor of ripe peaches.
2. Naked Winery- For reasons I will never understand many wine drinkers hate Moscato wine. I for one find the fruity sweet flavor pleasant ad comforting. Naked offers one of the best I’ve tasted.
3. Shades of Grey- As a lover of E.L. James’ Shades of Grey trilogy I could not pass up the chance to sample a wine mixed by the mistress herself. The White Silk is a flavorful white wine with a hint of butterscotch and crip citrus flavor.
4. Chateau D’Esclans- Cotes De Provence Rose`is a delicate mix of spice and fruit with a subtle note of dark sensual chocolate. It has a light sweet flavor that isnt cloying or off-putting.
5. Cafe De Paris- Pomegranate is a popular flavor rarely associated with wine, however this brand has created a delicious pairing that captures the flavors of red currant and raspberries along with the aroma of fresh pomegranate.
6. Jim Beam- In addition to wines the event also had some other spirits. Jim Beam offered guests a trio of delicious Bourbons. Our favorite was the honey a lightly sweet beverage with the comforting flavor of warm honey
7. 79 Gold Caramel Spirit– When someone offers me a product created by a reality star my first reaction is an eye roll followed by a long sigh. Thankfully I was able to put my foolishness to the side and taste this caramel Liqueur. The scent of caramel and maple enhance the silky smooth texture.
8. Bud Light Cran-Brrr Rita– Go ahead and judge me if you must but this stuff is delicious. At the event we sampled a frozen version of the popular beverage. At our friendly reps insistence we combined flavors for a unique treat. Frozen raspberry with Mango is a must have for any drinker.
Along with the amazing beverage tastings, guests were also invited to attend an evening of fine dining known as the “Celebrity Chef Dine Around”. This event brings celebrity chefs from all over into one convenient location, each preparing their signature dish right before your eyes.
As a new comer to the wonderful world of wine drinkers I can say without a doubt Winefest is an event worth experiencing. It allows you to develop a greater appreciation and understanding of this classic beverage. As a beginner you may want to start slow, seek out the moscato and the Rose wines. Though your more experienced wine drinkers may scoff at your choices, you are developing a palate and that takes time, especially after years of “hard” drinking. Wine unlike many other beverages can enhance your enjoyment of a meal or treat. Though like me you may have preferred rums and vodkas, they don’t always pair well with food. I for one find it impossible to enjoy a meal and a cocktail simultaneously. I must either eat first and have a soft drink or have a cocktail before my main course and not with it. Winefest by all accounts is a great investment is your maturity as a foodie and future wine lover. The exposure to different wineries and experts who truly enjoy discussing their craft will give you the edge you need to evolve as a drinker. Though you may have missed Winefest this year, there’s no reason you can’t visit our dear friends at Mohegan Sun for a day or two. You may not be able to indulge as we did with Winefest but there are enough restaurants and bars in the resort to help open up your senses and prepare you for next year. Drop by www.MoheganSun.com and check out their events calendar for the next big thing. Some of the super star chefs included, four time Beard award winner Todd English, Iron Chef Jose Garces and former model turned chef Manouschka Guerrier.
Always remember to drink responsibly!