Grand Tasting & Seminars

Presented by FLY 92.3 B95.5

The Grand Tasting and Seminars will take place at the Albany Capital Center. Sample culinary delights from the area’s top chefs and restaurants.  Experience the educational seminars, including the Highland Park Whiskey Tour.  VIP tickets will include access to the Stoli Elite VIP Lounge presented by Total Events, where Hors D’oeuvres and specialty cocktails will be served. Each VIP ticket purchase also automatically enters you in an opportunity to win 1 of 5 exciting travel experiences!

Craft Beer Pavilion

Presented by DeCrescente Distributing Co.

featuring NYS Breweries & Cideries

Albany Capital Center

This event is included with the Friday and Saturday Grand Tasting & Seminars.

New York State has emerged as the national craft beer scene state to watch. More and more breweries are opening every month and with that comes new, fresh, local and innovative craft beers brewed with the passion of a great chef. With more than 200 breweries across the state…there is plenty to choose from! This year the craft beer pavilion will feature different beers and ciders from favorites including Druther’s, Indian Ladder Farm, ADK, Windy Hills, Wolf Hollow, and Ommegang! Be sure to swing into the craft beer pavilion and sample some of the finest NYS has to offer.

Battle of the Bartender:
Negroni Competition

Albany Capital Center

This event is included with the Friday Grand Tasting & Seminars.

Day one of our Battle of the Bartenders has the area’s finest bartenders competing in our first ever Negroni Challenge. Utilizing Fords Gin and Carpano Antica Vermouth, contestants will craft their own unique take on this classic Italian cocktail to be evaluated by our panel of judges. Your vote matters, too! The bartender with the highest percentage of Fan Votes will earn 30 additional points to their total score.

2023 Competitors:

Logan Virkler |  30 Lake

Blake Rock |  Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Braden Lilley |  Olde English Pub & Pantry

Tim/Pat Taney | Slidin’ Dirty

Alyssa and Vianah | Swifty’s Restaurant and Pub

Sam Hooker & Trudy Steier | Savoy Tap Room / The Copper Crow

Dionne Puorto |Tipsy Moose

Katy Aichison | Wellington’s 

Ashley Rutledge | Nicole’s Restaurant & Catering

Joseph Heany |Sea Smoke Grill

 

See past winners here.

Battle of the Bartender:
Espresso Martini Competition

Albany Capital Center

This event is included with the Saturday Grand Tasting & Seminars.

Day two of our Battle of the Bartenders has the area’s finest bartenders competing in our first ever Espresso Martini Challenge. Utilizing Stoli Vodka and Borghetti Liqueurs, contestants will craft their own unique take on this cold caffeinated cocktail to be evaluated by our panel of judges. Your vote matters, too! The bartender with the highest percentage of Fan Votes will earn 30 additional points to their total score.

2023 Competitors:

Logan Virkler |  30 Lake

Blake Rock |  Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Zachary Valentina | Fort Orange Club

Braden Lilley |  Olde English Pub & Pantry

Pat Taney | Slidin’ Dirty

Sabrina & Viannah | Swifty’s Restuarant and Pub

Dionee Puorto |Tipsy Moose

Katy Aitchison | Wellington’s 

Ashley Rutledge | Nicole’s Restaurant & Catering

See past winners here.

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© 2023 Albany Food & Wine Festival, Inc. The Albany Food & Wine Festival, Inc. is an approved NY 501C3.
Empire Merchants North is the exclusive wine and spirots sponsor of the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival. Please drink responsibly.