The 10th annual Calvanese Foundation Beer & Wine Festival at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville on July 8 benefited the Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals in the Southington community through donations to charitable causes, organizations and schools. Co-sponsored by Southington’s Worldwide Wine & Spirits, the event featured samples of beer, wine and spirits from more than 40 vendors. Guests paired beverage tastes with food by the Aqua Turf Club, Blackie’s, Crispy Melty by Casseus, Hot Taco Street Kitchen, Smokin’ with Chris and more. The Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation, a 501(c)(3) since 1996, honors the legacy of the late Joe and Kay Calvanese, who founded the Aqua Turf Club, and their longstanding commitment to community.
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- The Calvanese siblings of the Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation: Chris Calvanese, Peggy Forgione, Kathy Reinhard, Joe Calvanese and Mary Celella.
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- Mark Hein, Owner, Worldwide Wine & Spirits; Kathy Reinhard, Executive Director, Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation; and Taylor Degan, General Manager, Worldwide Wine & Spirits.
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- Jonathan Norwich, Winebow highlighting Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with Lavender & Lemon.
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- Sebastian Trev, Hartley & Parker Limited, Inc., with Diora La Belle Fête Rosé of Pinot Noir and Three Finger Jack Rum Barrel Aged Red Blend.
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- Sarah Appleby, Worldwide Wine & Spirits showcasing Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc.
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- Kendell Bailey, Assistant Manager, Worldwide Wine & Spirits highlighting ¡Ay Carumba! Red Sangria.
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- TJ Griffin, Sales Representative, Connecticut Distributors, Inc.
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- All of Worldwide Wine & Spirits: Hunter DeFrancesco, Taylor Degan and Jake Morello.
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- Tarcizio DaSilva and Manny Gutierrez, Night Shift Brewing with Hoot Louder Hard Seltzer, Whirlpool New England Pale Ale and Santilli American IPA.
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- Colin Baldwin, E. & J. Gallo Winery and Benino Angelillo, Volunteer.
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- Harry Cordero, Sales Territory Manager and Roland Tekeira, Sales Representative, Ace Distributing pouring Picabuey Reserve Malbec and Adictivo Tequila Añejo.
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- Lauren Forjione, Chair of Beer and Wine Sales and Anthony Urillo, Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation.
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- James Gillies, Sales, Highland Imports highlighting Gray Whale Gin.
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- Andy Tremaglio, Votto Vines showcasing The Buccaneer Dead Drift Red Blend and Le Versant Grenache Rosé.
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- Ben Daneggar, Sales Representative, Chateau Ste. Michelle pouring Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon.
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- A pour of Night Shift Brewing’s craft beer, Whirlpool Hazy New England Pale Ale.
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- Nick and Kim Stavola, Worldwide Wine & Spirits highlighting J Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay and ¡Ay Carumba! Red Sangria.
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- Jeff Sansone, District Manager and Jeff Conelius, Craft Spirits Specialist, Allan S. Goodman.
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- Bill Shatas, Volunteer, Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation showcasing Pinhook Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
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- Elizabeth Mangan and Krissy O’Donnell, Fishers Island Lemonade.
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- Diana Reyes, Sales Representative, Murphy Distributors highlighting Art of Pour Jalapeño Margarita.
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- Jess Rice, Sales Manager, Central/Northeast Connecticut, Two Roads Brewing Company with Road Jam; Cloud Sourced Hazy Juicy IPA; H2Roads Craft Hard Seltzer in Meyer Lemon, Passion Fruit, Raspberry and Grapefruit flavors; and Daybreaker Vodka Cocktails in Meyer Lemon, Blood Orange and Cran-Lime flavors.
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- Bar and beverage consultant Anthony DeSerio, Dr. Booze CT, LLC, showcasing Kleos Mastiha Spirit.
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- Andrew Hoenig, State Manager, Canteen Spirits highlighting Cantina Tequila Soda.
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- Staff from the Back East Brewing team.
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- Brand Ambassador Nayda Flores showcasing Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Próspero Tequila Blanco.
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- A rep from New England Cider Co.
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- New England Cider Co. Passion Fruit.
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- Mike and Rachel Haseltine, Better Half Brewing.
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- Clonakilty Irish Whiskey Cask Finish Series, Clonakilty Single Batch Irish Whiskey, Clonakilty Irish Whiskey Port Cask Finish and Minke Irish Gin.
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- The team from Smokin’ With Chris serving up barbeque.
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- A guest readies for a pour of Rock Town Bottled Cocktails from Highland Imports team.
Photos by Lisa Nichols.
