
Suppliers and wholesalers showcased regional, national and international wine brands during the annual Newport Mansions Food & Wine Festival on September 20 through 23. In its thirteenth year, the elegant event was hosted by the Preservation Society of Newport County, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit group dedicated to preserving the area’s history and architecture. Opening with a Bordeaux Dinner the evening of September 20, the four-day series of events took place at The Elms, Rosecliff and Marble House mansions. Themed wine dinners and special events were among the many highlights provided by guest celebrity chefs, along with demonstrations and seminars by leading food and wine experts. The weekend’s Grand Tastings, held on the lawn of the Marble House, set the stage for sampling hundreds of wines set against scenic views.
- Mary Bridge, VT/ME/NH District Manager, Santa Margherita; Daniel Burgio, New England Sales Director, Santa Margherita; and Frank Dest, CT/RI District Manager, Santa Margherita pouring Santa Margherita Brut Rosé Vino Spumante and Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
- Susan Denice, Rhode Island Sales & Distribution, Jonathan Edwards Winery and Kristin Denise, Brand Ambassador, Jonathan Edwards Winery.
- James Turney, Northeast Regional Sales Manager, Europvin USA.
- All from MS Walker: Nat Saywell, Fine Wine Portfolio Manager; Mike Lester, On-Premise Manager; Augusto Gabriel, Assistant Sales Manager – Imports; Steve Medgyesy, Sales Representative; and Joy Flanagan, Brand Ambassador.
- Stephen Bodell, Territory Manager, MA/CT/RI, Winebow and Ann Marie Sgroi, Portfolio Sales Manager, Bodega Catena Zapata.
- Matt Reilly, Western Regional Sales Manager, Diamond Importers, Inc. featuring Skouras Saint George Agiorgitiko.
- Leslie Bodge and Charlene Leinonen highlighting South American wines Trivento White Orchid Torrontés and Casillero del Diablo Rosé.
- Milton Monzon, Commercial Director, JC Import Co. with Las Perdices Reserva Malbec.
- Rayane Azevedo and Natalie Ameral, both Brand Ambassadors pouring Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer flavors in Raspberry Rosé, Berry Lemonade, Cranberry Lime and Watermelon.
- Orlando Silva, Sales Consultant, Patriot Division, Horizon Beverage Company highlighting Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Kelly Williamson, Brand Ambassador, Brockmans Gin.
- All from Newport Vineyards: Laura Stebbins, Assistant Food & Beverage Director; Brenden Deprest, Tasting Room; and Darcey Hughes, Tasting Room Supervisor.
- Emily Carlson, Brand Ambassador, Sage Cellars with Villa Raiano Fiano Di Avellino.
- Daniel Chappell and Patrick Hurley, both Brand Ambassadors, Simi Rosé.
- Jonathan Pogash, President/Owner, The Cocktail Guru signing copies of the 75th anniversary edition of “Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide.”
- Meghan Kennedy, Brand Ambassador, Fishers Island Lemonade and Bronya Shillo, Founder, Fishers Island Lemonade.
- Charlotte Berdensey, Wine Director, La Sirena NYC and Rhode Island Sommelier Jonathan Feiler.
- Tilo Ricci and Kathleen Carey, Brand Ambassadors, Gérard Bertrand.
- Andrew Doolan, Sales Associate, Sage Cellars and Heather Griffin, Partner, Sales & Marketing, Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery.
- Gabriel Baigorria, Owner, Bodega Mi Terruño of Mendoza, Argentina with Jesse Sgro, Owner, Sage Cellars.
- David Wurzer, Brand Ambassador, Carolina Wine Brands USA; Lynda Ross, Brand Ambassador, Carolina Wine Brands USA; and Mark Raymond, Northeast Regional VP, Carolina Wine Brands USA.
- Tito’s Signature Bloody Mary featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka, fresh carrot juice and a bacon salt rim.
- Ian Magiros, On-Premise Key Account Specialist and Sommelier, MS Walker overseeing wine operations at the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival.
- Amanda Leandro, Brand Ambassador, Justin Vineyards & Winery/Landmark Vineyards featuring Justin Isosceles Paso Robles.
Photos by Laura Widness.