A Look At The Most Lavish Events Of This Year’s Boston Wine Festival

The Boston Harbor Hotel’s 30th annual Boston Wine Festival is about to get into full swing as it kicks off once again with a Grand Opening Reception Friday night. The nation’s longest running wine festival, which runs until March, will feature everything this year from intimate winemaker-hosted dinners and seminars to receptions and brunches put together by the festival’s founder, Chef Daniel Bruce. Here’s a look at some of this year’s most lavish events you won’t want to miss.

Photo Credit: Boston Wine Festival

Returning once again this year is a Boston Wine Festival celebrated favorite, Battle of the Cabernets held January 17 and 18. The luxe dinner held in the Atlantic Room showcases Napa Valley’s favorites paired up with Chef Bruce’s curated menu. Guests are invited to vote for the winner of this year’s favorite red

On January 25, you won’t want to miss Meritage Madness, a swanky opportunity to try different vintages of Bordeaux-style wines from Napa Valley while listening to commentaries from the panel of experts.

Photo Credit: Boston Wine Festival

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with their haute Dinner Dance being held on February 16 in the Wharf Room complete with a champagne dinner celebration. This year’s Moët & Chandon champagne selections include Moët Imperial, Moët Vintage Blanc 2009, Moët Rose NV, Moët Vintage Rose 2009, and Moët Nectar Blanc.

On February 20, they will be welcoming Staglin Family Vineyard, a 64-acre estate in Rutherford, California, to share in the festivities. A portion of the ticket proceeds will go toward their non-profit, One Mind, for brain health research.

Photo Credit: Boston Wine Festival

When March comes around, we all know the end of the festival is near, but there are several haute events to look forward to, including the Peter Michael Winery dinner on March 6. The Sonoma Valley winery is best known for their hand-crafted chardonnays, Bordeaux blends and pinot noirs, all produced in very limited quantities.  

On March 8, there will be a Silver Oak dinner with long-time winemaker, Daniel Baron, who came out of retirement to host just this special evening to discuss the history of making the brand.

One of the most indulgent dinners is being held on March 20 when Tenuta San Guido comes to town. Best known for being the first ‘super-Tuscan,’ the winery will be hosting an evening of Sassicaia, with ‘06, ‘12, ‘13, ’14 and ‘15 vintages. 

Photo Credit: Boston Wine Festival

This year’s schedule also includes a new festival tradition – the first annual charity reception Uncorked for a Cause, being held on February 15 in partnership with Share our Strength to end hunger and poverty. Hosted by Taniya Nayak, the walk-around style event will feature wines from around the world paired up with small plates from Chef Bruce along with a wine wall auction to benefit Share our Strength.