| Boston Wine Expo 2007, World Trade Center, Boston Seaport Hotel | | | | By: Marc Hinton |  Page 1 of 3 next >> |
The biggest and best wine Expo in the United States has now come and passed for this year and Enobytes was present. Our East Coast Tasting Judge attended and his observances were recorded by an interview that consisted of questions prepared by an envious West Coast Tasting Judge and the answers may or may not have been altered to protect the innocent and down play the debauchery.
J Mac, our East Coast Bureau representative attended the function that Enobytes was so graciously invited to by Ed Hurley and the wonderful folks at Resource Plus.
Arriving at the Expo via the “T “, our tasting judge chose the wisest method of transportation available. A decision supported by all involved and recommended for anyone who attends a wine tasting event where the option of public transportation is available for use, being the designated driver is not a conducive to a good wine tasting event.
Exiting the event via public transportation was also a great idea as the presence of Public Safety officers (Mass. State Police) was reported to be visible everywhere. Enobytes would like to comment that we support the presence of Police anywhere alcohol is being served. When Americans learn to drink like Europeans we might change our minds but until then, we need to be protected from ourselves.
The registration at the event was said to go off effortlessly, and the staff was cordial and respectful. One comment made by our attendee and others was the lack of a map for the event. When I have been involved in exhibiting at an event I know booth placement is something that all exhibitors try to jockey for the right placement. Without a map of designated assignments the placement priority is of the utmost importance for exhibitors. With a map, the popular and confident product marketers do not fear being overlooked and their placement is not as critical to their success. Maybe next year a map will be included.
The first exhibitor J Mac sampled turned out to be an old friend with a new name, well a new name for his winery. Cecil DeLoach formerly of DeLoach Vineyards is now producing wines under the Hook & Ladder moniker. Cecil was a San Francisco fireman before he headed north to pursue a successful career as one of Sonoma’s best winemakers. J Mac was impressed by the quality, style and value the Hook & Ladder varietals represented. Interpretation “they make tasty wine”.
J Mac then meandered towards the Mouton-Cadet booth. Here, he found very extensive floor plan, befitting one of the world’s biggest brands. A tall bar, along with bistro tables with tall stools offered a convenient place to collect his thoughts and plan the rest of the campaign.
J Mac arrived next at Chateau d’ Arlay’s booth where he was quickly seduced by their hospitality, history, uniqueness, and great products including the fortified wines that represent an almost forgotten craft. My level of envy was elevated to the point of planning a trip to this winery just to experience their hospitality and grace. So if you are near Arlay in southeastern France do yourself a favor and go see these guys.
By now Mr. J Mac had realized what a huge and daunting undertaking he had volunteered for, J Mac was chosen for this assignment because he is known for his fortitude and ability to stay focused under pressure. I understand all that was a moot point about an hour into the event. Our pre-event advice forewarned of the possibility that you might need to drop back to my operating standards, which are “Keep your head down, spit at least every other sip and when asked questions just mumble a lot”.
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