The Cellar: Wine Fest at Mohegan Sun

Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer

The Cellar: Wine Fest at Mohegan Sun

January is upon us and once again it is time for us local wine enthusiasts to make our annual pilgrimage to Mohegan Sun for the 12th annual Sun Winefest happening his weekend. 

This year’s Grand Tasting is truly grand! Featuring beer, wine, specialty spirits and delectable dishes, this coming weekend’s extravaganza has something for everyone. Wine and beer enthusiasts can select from over 1,000 brands or enjoy tastings of specialty spirits. Foodies can sample signature dishes from the region's most highly rated restaurants. The Main Culinary Stage is the backdrop for two days of celebrity chef demonstrations featuring Jose Garcas and Todd English, not to mention Providence’s very own Matthew Varga.

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Tickets for Sunday’s Grand Tasting remain on sale but act fast as they are sure to sell out. Tickets for Saturday’s Grand Tasting are already sold out, but don’t be deterred as there are many ways to ‘sneak’ your way in. The most extravagant way is to purchase a ticket for the ‘Elite Cru Tasting’. The Elite Cru Tasting is an extraordinary opportunity to discover the "best-of-the-best" vintages from around the world and to meet the winemakers and principals behind them. This not-to-be-missed experience, offered to a limited audience in the intimate setting of The Cabaret Theatre, also features a raw bar hosted by Georges Bank presenting their South Bay Blonde Oysters, shrimp from Mazzetta Company, a tasty appetizer from Vermont Creamery and specialty cheeses from igourmet.com. Guests also receive admission to the Saturday Grand Tasting and a $50 gift certificate from igourmet.com as a part of this unique experience.

At the 2015 Mohegan Sun Winefest there is truly something for everyone! If you are a Burbon Enthusiasts, for example, be advised that there are still tickets available for Friday’s Burbon Tasting. At this event you get to taste a variety of fine bourbons from Jim Beam, or pair one of BALLO's Italian-themed bourbon drinks with various food selections such as filet mignon with aged balsamic and marsala sugo, or Maplebrook Farm's burrata with roasted tomato and basil. You can also pick up a cigar from Cigar of the Gods, and enjoy in our designated smoking area during the event.

For the complete list of events, times, dates and prices click here. See you this weekend!

Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related question or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.

10 New England Wine Getaways

Newport Vineyards

Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.

909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.

Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya

Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.

162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.

Greenvale Vineyards

Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.

582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.

Maugle Sierra Vineyards

For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.

825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.

Nickle Creek Vineyards

Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.

12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.

Nashoba Valley Winery

Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!

100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.

Bishop’s Orchards Winery

The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.

1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.

Diamond Hill Vineyards

For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.

3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.

Westport Rivers

Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery

Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.

417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.

Travessia Winery

Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.

760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.

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