After pouring in Boston and now moving onto New York, the traveling Wine Expo was held this past weekend here in D.C. A full line-up of wine tastings, food demos, and seminars filled the halls of the Ronald Reagan building all weekend long. Wine lovers, consumers, people in the trade and some miscellaneous drunk people all came out in the name of wine. The entire weekend kicked off Friday night with the Grand Cru tasting. Those willing to shell out $175 were granted a more personal visit to many of the exhibitors as well as sample many exclusive wines. Food samples and demonstrations included B.L.T. Steak, 1789, Dino, Proof, Equinox and PS-7, to name a few.

The actual festival was held Saturday and Sunday for those of us who were only willing to pay the $85 admission price (or if you were trade and got in for free). These events always seem to have an off vibe to them in terms of what is actually supposed to be going on. As someone in the business, it is supposed to be a good opportunity to network and check out new products. This is done in between regular consumers pushing and shoving to squeeze their way up to every table, just to ask the winemakers if they have any “White Zinfandels” before even looking at what is being poured. $85 is an awful lot to spend if you want to drink White Zin.

The mix of vendors also appeared to be slightly unbalanced, as Virginia wineries were sprinkled in between large California wineries, New York state had a large presence though most of Europe did not, and small boutique wineries were overshadowed by the large tents of Fetzer, Barefoot and the Mondavi wineries. Actually, the Mondavi winery had their own room where they gave out manicures and Mondavi vanilla lip balm. If that doesn’t entice someone to buy their wines, then we’re sure nothing will.

Photo by christaki