I dropped a note to the event organizers about removing the spirit rooms. Here is my note and their response:
Hi Vicky! I’ve attended Winefest every year but its first, and I wanted to let someone know how disappointed I was at the removal of the spirit rooms. Since their addition to Winefest they’ve become one of my favorite features, and I recommend and drink the liquors I find there throughout the year. They also seemed to help alleviate some of the congestion in the main tasting area, plus providing a bit of a break from five straight hours of wine. I’m not sure of the logic in removing them, but I wanted to add my two cents worth. If they aren’t back next year I’m likely to cut my attendance to one day, and I’m sure I’m not the only one – it’s a shame to take away from such a wonderful event.
April,
Thanks for your comments. All of our advertising this year made no reference to spirits, we indicated that there would only be beer tasting in the upstairs rooms. We tried spirits for 2 years in a row (the first 3 years we did not have either spirits or beer upstairs) and unfortunately, there were a handful of attendees whose conduct ruined it for all. No one is more disappointed than myself that we had to do away with spirits as I have great relations with all of the spirit suppliers. Courvoisier and Skyy as sponsors were allowed to do tastings in the Main Ballroom downstairs. Thanks again!
Best,
Vicky
Kind of makes me want to do the Foxwoods Food & Wine instead…