5th Annual New York Wine Expo: GO!

Here’s your chance to speak directly with your favorite wine makers and discover this year’s trends. The 5th Annual New York Wine Expo presents 170 wineries from around the globe, so you can sample offerings from local wineries and offbeat varietals that you’ll be adding to your regular repertoire.

I talked to Mark Oldham, author of Brave New World of Wine, and judge on The Winemakers, a PBS reality show featuring a competition between winemakers. You can meet him at the expo where he will be doing a seminar on the wines of the Rhône Valley. He gave me some advice on  tackling the show.

HHNYC: There’s a lot of wine being poured at this event. What’s the best way to do the show?
MO: This show provides you with a risk-free environment to experiment, so, as in my book, I encourage people to try some wines they are unfamiliar with. Or, pick 2 or 3 regions you love from the grand list. It might sound corny, but I usually carry some crackers in my pocket to reset my palate, in case I am not near any food.  

HHNYC: Which wine areas should we watch now?
MO: Greece, despite their economic troubles, will be well represented at the show. Their small producers continue to make wonderful wines and offer better values. Instead of your usual white, get a taste of Moschofilero or Assyrtiko. Showing up with a bottle of this at your next gathering will definitely impress your friends. (hhnyc: Check this website to learn more about Greek varietals.)
—Over the past 10 years the Finger Lakes have been steadily improving the quality of their wines. If you like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Pinot Grigio, you should try the wines from there. Red wine lovers should get a taste of the Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon. (hhnyc: Check this article from the NY Times at this link to learn more.)
—Brazil will also be bringing some wines to the show. Like Argentina, they have a long wine making traditions. Go for the sparkling wines, or the Malbec.  (hhnyc: for more info click here)
—For another great value, and to taste wines with lots of flavor, sign up for my seminar covering the Rhone Valley. Since the area is warmer than Burgundy or Bordeaux, the wines have spicy, rich, “roasted fruit” flavors.

The show is held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center from March 2nd to the 4th (trade only on Sunday, March 4). For tickets, visit NewYorkWineExpo.com or call 800-544-1660.