Boston Wine Expo?

[galleygirl]

It's this weekend. Has anyone been in previous years who may have any tips? Which day was the busiest day? Busiest times? Any other information to share? Is anyone going?

[C. Hamster]

I've always gone on Sunday but now am going with friends on Saturday :(

The food is practically nonexistant.

And the wine offerings have dwindled over the years. I didn't go last year, but the year before they had no Spanish wines.

I also end up camping out in the French area near the Chateauneuf du Pape.

[ChefJune]

I've been many times, and unless I go on a Trade Pass, I won't be going again. It's very crowded, and on Saturdays there are hundreds of young adults who go to get drunk. Fortunately, they usually congregate around the Yellowtail booth (ugh), etc. but the place gets very noisy and the temperature rises uncomfortably.

Food? very few choices, in my experience. A big cheese table, and over along one wall, a few vendors -- most notably the soup company Kettle Cuisine -- who have good stuff but there's never enough.

[steinpilz]

It's great fun, just relax and enjoy as there are so many wines available. You can get a $10 discount on the price using the code GLOBE. A good breakfast is a smart idea, not a lot of food choices but two years ago I had some great crab cake there. I think the wine pours are more generous on Sunday FWIW (I once got a two day ticket in DC and this was my impression, same Expo).

[galleygirl]

So, based on what you're all saying, i should plan for an onslaught......(I'm working for a food booth)...
I'm scared, very scared... ;)

[steinpilz]

It's a mob scene for the wine (it's free), the food booths aren't so bad. Which booth are you at?

[galleygirl]

Email me...galleygirlbostonATyahooDOTcom

Mods hate mentioning products, I've found out; even neutrally!

[MtVernon]

I go every year. It is a great time.. What food booth are you working? I am going to be straving after a few hours of sampling some good wines. Sundays get kinda crazy because they pour more of the wines, because they need to get rid of them. I got sloppy!!

[galleygirl]

email me...galleygirlbostonATyahooDOTcom...
we'll work out a system; I may not be able to leave my booth for, uh, refreshment......;)

[treb]

Been several times, on Sun, long lines and minimal food offerings. Walk the area first and plan your strategy, there's a lot of crappy wines there, avoid them

[mr mangia]

I have been a few times and you may want to have a good breakfast. I remember climbing over people to get some cheese samples as everyone was hungry and there weren't that many food options.

[SEH]

I went once, last year -- on Saturday. We were there earlier than the doors opened and we waited on a long line but once they started letting people in it went fairly quick. I didn't realize that there would be no wine sales. Yes, a true rookie!

My tips: find the French wine section, more specifically the ones from Chateauneuf du Pape, and make sure you get your tastes and education on those before the crowds find them as these were our best tastes. And, have some system to whip out pen & paper to take notes while sipping! Also, if you wear a sweater make sure you can take it off and tie around your waist or something because I remember it got really hot with all the swarms of people.

I am not going this year but I am not totally opposed to ever going again. Have fun!

[heWho]

Is it worth the absurd $95 price tag? (for Saturday, at door ticket purchase)

I've got friends who are swaying me to go, but $95 to stand in line sounds terrible. Someone sell me on this!

[CocoDan]

I've been many times, but always on Sunday. It's opened to the trade only(which is when I go) in the morning until about 1:PM or so, then they open the doors to the public. It's like trying to get out of a stadium after a soccer match in Brazil. Very crowded. We usually leave about 15 minutes after they open the doors. Just too confusing. Some people don't mind. You can get to taste a lot of interesting wine. Keep in mind it has just been taken over by a new promoter. It wasn't as good last year as in the past. It can be fun though.
Enjoy,
Cocodan

[galleygirl]

So, it's not too crazy those first few hours? How have the food exhibitors been in the past?

[spinach187]

I've heard to *always* go on Sunday. The bulk of the amateurs show up on Saturday and puke on your shoes.

[harpoonipa1967]

Get there EARLY. It has taken my wife as long as an hour to get in (always a Sat.). She now shows up 2 hours before they open to the public to ensure an easy time getting in.

[galleygirl]

Well, I'm working, so I have to be there early...I don't know if I should be happy or sad...