When: January 24-26, 2012

What: Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

The brainchild of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture and the California Association of Winegrape Growers became the Unified Wien and Grape Symposium, which began in 1995.  With an annual attendance of 12,200, the Symposium held annually in Sacramento California boasts itself as the largest event of it’s kind in the western hemisphere.  It’s a very educational centric event, with the idea of sharing the latest knowledge for vintners on growing and harvesting and everything else industry related.

Cost: Various

When: February 24-26, 2012

What: Virginia Wine Expo

Getting ready to celebrate its 5th year, attendees flock to the Greater Richmond Convention Center to celebrate the wine industry of Virginia.   All the greatest in Virginia wine, special food, and proper pairings are presented.

Cost: Tickets for the event range depending on what activities participants choose to attend.

When: Febrary 2 – 4, 2012

What: Portland Seafood and Wine Festival

What better paring with wine then some delicious seafood, and the Pacific Northwest is more certainly known for its fresh sea fair. Held at the Oregon Convention Center, this event features a family friendly series of exhibits including: sand castle building, puppet shows and of course Dungeness crab.   Wine samples start at just .50 cents and food ranges from $1-$15 making it affordable family fun.  This is defiantly an experience for the Local Portland experience.

Cost: Varies

When: March 31- April 1, 2012

What: Taste Washington! The Ultimate Food & Wine Experience

The WineRackStore has attended this event 2 years in a row and will most certainly be there again.  All things wine in food are featured.  Highlighting Washington’s best wineries and restaurants partnered with wine related Seminars, Washingtonians and visitors can treat themselves to all the wine and food knowledge the Pacific North West has to offer.  Hope to see everyone there! 

Cost: General Admission costs $75

When: September 14-16, 2012

What: Miami International Wine Fair

Not your average small town wine festival.  Features over 300 wineries from 16 countries it goes beyond the US wine industry and is the largest fair in the world.  It’s a 3-day event where exhibitors and buyers are able to do business in what has been come to known as the world’s largest wine market.    Why not make a weekend of it and enjoy all that South Beach and the world of wine has to offer.

Cost: Ticket prices vary and depend on whether the attendee is of the general public or an industry professional.

When: Fall 2012 (Date Not Yet Set)

What: Napa River Wine, Crafts & Jazz Festival

Of course you saw this one coming!  Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine regions, holding a close second to the likes of France and Italy.  However, this event, held in Downtown Napa is not your usual noise in the air wine connoisseur type atmosphere.  Rather, Napa Wine Festival provides lots of festival favorites like children activities, food, music, arts and crafts and of course wine!  Attendees have the opportunity to kick-start their holiday shopping while enjoying the day with family and friends.

Cost: Admission is free

When: February 11 – 12, 2012

What: Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival

The Washington DC International Wine and Food Festival is a weeklong series of events taking place at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.  Two days are particularly dedicated to the tasking of food, wine, beer and sprits from hundreds of wineries.

Cost: Tickets range from $55 to $145 depending on events attended.

When: March 2- 4 2012

What: New York Wine Expo

No better time to be in New York than the springtime!  Boasting many wineries right in their home state, the New York Wine Expo is held at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center and offers over 760 samples from 190 wineries, both local and beyond, as well as exhibits, foods and wine accessories.

Cost: Ticket prices vary based on which events you would like to participate in.

When: January 21 – 22 2012

What: Boston Wine Expo

Take a break from the east coast winter and warm up with a 2 day wine adventure.   Attendees get the opportunity to sample over 1,800 wines from 300 global wineries.   The event is packed with various events.  Top it off celebrity chefs, exhibitions of wineries and lifestyle products.

Cost: Tickets range from one day for $85 to weekend pass for $195 and is held at the Seaport World Trade Center

Wines may be most famous for coming from regions in France, Italy and California, but why travel all that way when you can taste hundreds of remarkable wines from around the globe right in your home state?  Join us as we explore some of the top celebrations of all that is wine across the US.    The next series of posts features some of the greatest celebrations, listed in no particular order, of wine across the country