I can’t believe that’s already the middle of January. Where is all of this time going?
On Sunday I got back from 12 days in California. It was pretty incredible to say the least, and I will have a full recap of my trip coming soon. But now, I’m already looking ahead to February which, despite the freezing cold winters and all of the snow here, is one of my favorite times of the year. Sean’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, a day off for President’s Day, and of course, the Boston Wine Expo, all make for one jam-packed, super fun month.
I’ve been lucky enough to attend the Boston Wine Expo as a brand ambassador for the past few years. I always say it’s one of my favorite events of the year and one of the best that Boston puts on. It’s no secret that I love wine. Love love. And in the past 2 or so years I’ve really branched out. I no longer only drink Cabernet Sauvignon. I don’t shy away from a crisp Sauv Blanc or a sweet Port. And while I do still gravitate towards red wine more often than not, try to stop me from enjoying a cold glass of Chardonnay on a hot summer day.
This year, attending the Boston Wine Expo as a seasoned Expo vet has some definite perks. We have a pretty good idea how to navigate the expo floor (which is gigantic) and we know that snack time is about every 20-30 minutes when you’re drinking wine for 4-6 hours straight. Also, you don’t have to drink every single sip of every single wine you try. (I learned that the hard way in year 1.) Find a pace that is right for you and instead of frantically bouncing from table to table trying to fit everything in in one day (it’s impossible…), spend some time in the regions you love or the regions you may have been hesitant to try in the past.
There’s also a variety of other things you can do at the Expo besides stay on the main floor. Treat yourself to VIP tickets to the Vintner’s Reserve Lounge where there are even more wines to try (some very rare, others very expensive). Get tickets to one of the many seminars where you can hone your focus on one particular subject (the Cheese & Wine one looks like it would be right up my alley), or grab a free seat at a live cooking demonstration as different ones are held throughout the day.
This year’s Expo is being held the weekend after Valentine’s Day on Saturday and Sunday, February 18th and 19th. Fun fact, this is also President’s Day Weekend so if you’re lucky enough to have Monday off, there are so many good things about this: A) You get a super fun and unique Valentine’s Day date with someone special, and B) you can sleep off all that wine on Monday. Win-win!
I’m giving away a pair of tickets to Sunday’s Expo hours! To enter, leave a comment below telling me which type of wine you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t been able to yet. For bonus entries, follow me on Instagram and Twitter and leave me individual comments letting me know that you did!
BONUS OFF-BLOG ENTRY: Follow the instructions on THIS Instagram post and you’ll have another chance to win!
This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Cody!
There’s still time to purchase tickets to the Expo. Use code WINEDERFUL17 at checkout for 15% OFF Grand Tasting tickets, weekend passes, VIP Vintner’s Lounge and select seminars. (Offer expires 2/14 at 11:59 PM)
chocolateandwineblog.com 
I’ve heard they are aging red wine a in bourbon barrels now. I would very much like to try this new phenomenon.
I’m a huge red wine fan, but haven’t had the chance to try many red European wines. I’d love to try more of those before we honeymoon there in July!
I want to try Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon 2013. It was rated the number 1 wine of 2016 on another blog I read and I can’t find it anywhere!! The guy is an Indy Car driver turned wine maker. Love the back story!
I have had some of the cheaper versions of Duckhorn but have always wanted to try one of the good ones and compare to the Duckhorn decoy!
I would like to try some Napa Valley wine… particularly red wine. It’s my fave!
Would love to try that Goldeneye Pinot Noir- it looks great!
I follow you on Twitter!
I follow you on instagram!
I would love to try wines from Hungry!
Would love to try some Spanish reds such as Rioja and tempranillo!
Following on twitter🍷🍫
I would love to try wine from the Santa Barbara region. I have been out there once and would love to see if any of the wineries I had visited were participating in this expo!
I just started following you on twitter and instagram!!
Congrats Cody – you are the winner of the tickets! Please send an email to chocolateandwineblog@gmail.com with your name, address, phone number and date of birth to claim your prize!
I am a big fan of Italian wines, but I am ready to branch out and try other European wines. I follow you on Twitter
My parents are huge cabernet sauvignon fans so I’m glad you mentioned that was a favorite of yours too! I’ve always wanted to take my parents to the wine expo, and your photos and description certainly made it look inviting! I personally always fall (sometimes into a trap) for trying a wine if it has a beautiful label. Don’t get me wrong, I know the person who makes the label is typically not the person crafting the wine, but yet I think the label could be an artistic interpretation of the flavors and the feeling you get when you drink the wine. I’m often chided for this view point but interested in your opinion or if you’ve ever noticed any kind of significance to the design of the labels on the bottle.
Currently I’ve been interested in trying more zifandels and am always keen on tasting a shiraz. Thank you for your blog and the beautiful photos!
Love all sorts of wine. But would love to try some full body reds with some chocolate!!
I have never tried any Portuguese wines (e.g., Vinho Verde, Altejano reds), so that’s what I would try if I win the tickets. I would bring my husband with me, even though he’s more of a beer person! Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway!
I was fortunate enough to go to the Piedmont area of Italy in September, so I tasted Barolo, Nelliolo, Arneis and Barberesco from that area. I am looking forward to becoming familiar with more of the area specific wines of Italy. I am following you on Instagram and Twitter!
I’ve had really limited exposure to French wines. I’ve fallen head over heels for some real herby tasting reds. I’d love to try a Bordeaux with that sort of profile.
Ps I followed you on Instagram! 🙂 fingers crossed!
I’d love to go to this expo to compare the differences in wines made from the same grape, but from different regions. So for example, Pinot Noir from Washington State vs. California vs. France, vs. Long Island, etc. etc. That’s the best part about Expos like this. Cheers!!
I’d really like to compare and contrast Pinot Noir’s from different regions of US and the world! That’s the best part of expos like this. Cheers!
Oops, sorry for the double post– I thought my previous one didn’t go up–but I also followed you on Instagram, so let’s consider it to be that entry 🙂
there are so many I haven’t tried, I keep going back to my old standby either red or wine…love ’em both!!
Ive heard Georgian wines are nice. 2013 Tsarapi Vineyard Rkatsiteli would like to try sometime. I already follow on instagram. I will also follow on twitter
Thanks for the chance!
I would love to try red wine from argentina!
Great Article! I’m looking for 3 tickets to the Vintner’s Reserve Lounge Saturday. I you know anyone selling please get in touch. See you there!