A Toast To The Boston Wine Festival Credit: Person+Killian Photography
Boston doesn’t slow down after the holiday season. While winter brings frigid temperatures and mounds of snow, it also ushers in one of the city’s — if not the country’s — best food and wine events.
In its 30th year, the Boston Wine Festival (held at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Boston Harbor Hotel) features an amazing array of winemaker-hosted dinners, seminars, receptions and brunches with vintners from around the world. Founded in 1989 by chef Daniel Bruce (who helms the property’s Four-Star Meritage Restaurant + Wine Bar), the festival lasts for almost three months, from mid-January until the end of March, making it the longest-running wine-and-food-pairing series in the U.S.
Here are five reasons you won’t want to miss the fete’s latest edition.
The Opening Reception. Credit: Person+Killian Photography
Uncorked for a Cause
There are always exciting events being added to the festival roster. New this year is Uncorked for a Cause, a fundraiser to combat hunger and poverty in partnership with national nonprofit Share Our Strength.
Hosted by Boston local and celebrity interior designer Taniya Nayak, the February 15 tasting will feature samples of global wines and artfully prepared small plates from chef Bruce.
The highlight of the fundraiser is an interactive “wine wall” auction that lets you bid on the chance to take home rare vintages (the labels will be covered, so you might just end up with a treasure) , while giving back to the community.
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Valentine’s Dinner Dance
What’s more romantic than sipping champagne and twirling on the dance floor with your loved one? At the immensely popular Valentine’s Dinner Dance on February 16, chef Bruce pulls out all the stops with a champagne-paired dinner featuring bubbles from Moët & Chandon.
Sparkling sips to look forward to include Moët Imperial, Moët Vintage Blanc 2009, Moët Rose NV, Moët Vintage Rose 2009 and Moët Nectar Blanc. Champagne, exquisite food and live music set the stage for a Valentine’s Day to remember.
Chef Daniel Bruce. Credit: Derrick Zellmann Photography
Champagne Brunch
Just in case you haven’t had your fill of sparkling sips, this decadent, champagne-fueled morning feast is sure to satiate you.
The perfect end to Valentine’s Weekend, this February 17 brunch takes place in Boston Harbor Hotel’s Atlantic Room overlooking the waterfront, providing picture-perfect views while you enjoy more Moët & Chandon and enjoy a lavish spread. A live band keeps things entertaining.
More Festivities. Credit: Person+Killian Photography
Opus One Winery Seminar and/or Dinner
Start the night off on March 22 with a fascinating one-hour seminar given by Opus One winemaker and repeat festival guest, Michael Silacci. Considered by many to be America’s first growth (first Bordeaux grape harvest), Opus One is held in high esteem around the world.
You’ll be able to learn about (and sample) three decades of this coveted label (1990, 2001 and 2015). Following the seminar, chef Bruce will pair the Bordeaux-style Napa Valley wines with a delectable multi-course dinner.
If you’re more interested in the bites than the Bordeaux, you can make a reservation for just the dinner portion, too.
Boston Harbor Hotel’s John Adams Presidential Suite. Credit: Boston Harbor Hotel
Make an (Over)Night of It
Since all the festival events happen at Boston Harbor Hotel, make a night of it. Call the property and ask about its Take the Elevator Home package for special overnight rates.
For an especially over-the-top experience, book the new John Adams Presidential Suite, which boasts 4,800 square feet of elegantly designed space and 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbor.
Truly though, every room at the hotel is luxurious, with either harbor or city views, high-end amenities and plenty of room to relax.
