Opici Family Distributing of Connecticut will host a Spring Portfolio Tasting for accounts and trade guests. The Connecticut division carries wines and spirits from around the world representing over 300 producers and 1,600 different types of fine wine and spirits. This is trade only event. Please contact your sales representative with any questions.

The CT Brewers Guild will host its sixth-annual CT Craft Beer Fest at Hartford’s Connecticut Convention Center on April 20, 2024. Guests will enjoy pours from more than 60 craft breweries throughout the afternoon, beginning with a VIP session at 1:30 PM. All proceeds will benefit the CT Brewers Guild to help further the goals of the craft beer movement in Connecticut.

WHAT: Join Brescome Barton for a spring tasting array of wines, spirits, beers, mixers and more. Free parking and food provided. Trade only. Contact your sales rep for more information. RSVP to education@brescomebarton.com. 

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 3:00 -6:00pm

WHERE: Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Road, Westbrook

The 13th annual Rising Pint Brewfest returns to Rentschler Field on May 11, with beer from more than 60 craft breweries on tap for guests, along with eats from popular food truck vendors, including Spot on Tacos, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, The Big Cheese, Hop Häus, Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza Shop, Big Enzo’s BBQ, Big Bad Wolf, Sno ‘N’ Dough and Holy Smokez BBQ. Bands Booyah and 7 Below will play live music throughout the event. Proceeds will benefit The Reach Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing assistance to children who are in need, physically, socially and financially through programs, advocacy and more. Event is 21+. No children or pets. Rain or shine, no refunds.

Worldwide Wines will host a themed spring trade tasting at Gioia Café & Bar in New Haven on May 14. The Killer B’s tasting event will showcase top Burgundy, Bordeaux, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Barbaresco and bubbly selections from Worldwide Wines’ portfolio. Sales representatives and account managers will be onsite to highlight brands and educate guests throughout the afternoon event. This event is trade only – please contact your sales representative.

The Thread City Hop Fest, an annual food and craft beer tasting event, will take place on at Jillson Square in Willimantic on May 19, 2024. Attendees will enjoy samples from more than 70 breweries from throughout New England. This event is rain or shine. Organized by the Willimantic Brewing Company on behalf of Willimantic Renaissance, Inc., proceeds from the Hop Fest benefit more than 15 charities including The No Freeze Project, Willimantic Renaissance, Inc. and Vulturetown Arts. Event is 21+. No children or pets allowed.

Foxwoods Resort Casino is hosting the annual Tacos & Tequila Fiesta in its Rainmaker Expo on June 1, 2024. Guests will enjoy tacos and tequila samples from dozens of brands, along with cocktails, live music and mechanical bull rides among the festivities. See last year’s highlights here.

The Beardsley Zoo will host its annual Wild Wine Beer & Food Safari on June 1. Guests will have the opportunity to taste food, beer and wine from dozens of vendors while taking in museum exhibits and visiting its many animals. Other entertainment will include live music, games and a silent auction. Presented by Turnpike Spirit Shop & Wine Emporium, participating venues include The Blind Rhino, The Bites Company, Caribe Soul, Dave Grant Caters, Fortuna’s Catering, Garden Catering, Hot Monkey Nuts, Lesser Evil Snacks, Little Pub, Luna Azzurra Italiano, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nuovo Pasta, Open Door Tea, Rose Sisters Chips, Taco Loco, Vazzy’s and more. Opened in 1922, the Beardsley Zoo is Connecticut’s only zoo and is home to more than 300 animals. The annual tasting event is the zoo’s largest fundraiser with proceeds to benefit care of the zoo’s endangered species, expansion of exhibits and educational programming.

The Newport Beer Festival will return to Fort Adams for its 12th year on April 20. The event will showcase beer from approximately 40 craft breweries with local, live music performed throughout the afternoon and food available for purchase. Event is 21+, rain or shine. Proceeds will benefit the Rhode Island Brewers Guild.

Join MS Walker of Rhode Island for a trade tasting of world-class agave spirits and white wine portfolio selections. The spring tasting brings together sales representatives, suppliers and trade accounts for an afternoon event at Chapel Grille. Trade only. Contact your sales rep for more information. RSVP via provided email.

Wine Wizards will host a Spring Portfolio Tasting at its Rumford warehouse. Guests will have the opportunity to taste imported wine and spirits from Wine Wizards’ latest portfolio and discuss selections with visiting suppliers and the Wine Wizards team.  This is a trade-only event. Please contact your sales representative for more details.

Newport Vineyards will host its 21st Annual Spring Festival on May 4. During two sessions, guests will enjoy tastes of Newport Vineyards wine and Taproot beer at bars located around the Newport Vineyards grounds, along with live music and bites from the Newport Vineyards culinary team. Entertainment will include musical act The Naticks performing live, a grape stomping contest and a pie eating contest during each session. Star Wars fans are invited to dress at their favorite characters from the franchise for the event’s costume contest.

Taste of Rhode Island is a delicious celebration of Rhode Island’s great food, local spirits and live entertainment. Hosted by Pat Paolino, Pat Cruz Events and Lupe Aguilar, Rhody Foody, more than 50 of the state’s best restaurants, bakeries, caterers, wineries and breweries will be showcasing their offerings. More info to be announced soon. Entertainment and Special Guest Appearances by local celebrities; VIP area with Exclusive Champagne and Tastings; Special Raffle and Silent Auction benefiting MAE Organization for the Homeless.