Dr Vino's wine blog

When I left the Gambero Rosso tasting today in NYC, the line stretched around the block. The brief press/trade portion was already crowded enough but how did word ever get out to so many consumers? “It’s free,” came the reply.

While this tasting of over 150 of the top wines from Italy may have been ultimate free tasting (for the wines at least, but the not the crowds) there are many worthwhile free tastings. Our Senior Free Wine Correspondent rounded up some of the free tastings in Chicago here.

In New York City, I have signed up for the email lists of several shops including Appellation, Astor, and Crush–to name a few at the beginning of the alphabet. That way I can know about not only wine tastings but also any sales.

This week, Astor Wines is having a “Say Good-Bye to the Old Astor” extravaganza with free tastings every evening this week. Acker, Merrall is having a Jameson Irish Whiskey tasting on Friday (St. Paddy’s day). Sake on Saturday at Landmark Wines. Sat, Sun and Mon Le Nell’s in Red Hook is having a tasting of organic wines in honor of Earth Day (is it already Earth Day?). Mar 19 Mary Elke of Napa will be pouring her wines at September Wine and Spirit. Mar 20 Joe Dressner will assemble a merry band of naturalists at Crush. For more info on these stores, check my map of NYC wine shops.

Check localwinevents for more events near you! Try something new and get out of your groove!

tags: wine | free wine tastings