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!
Friday, January 27, 2023
4:00PM – 8:00PM
- Samplings from the region’s best chefs and restaurants
- Wine & Spirit samplings from your favorite brands featured by Empire Merchants North
- Educational Seminars, including the Highland Park Whiskey Tour
- Craft Beer Pavilion featuring New York State Breweries presented by DeCrescente Distributing Company
- Battle of the Bartenders: Negroni Competition | presented by Fords Gin & Carpano Antica Vermouth and Robert J. McNamara Financial Consultants
- Stoli VIP Lounge | presented by Total Events & Empire Merchants North
“Art Throughout the Festival” Unique Pop-Up Performances & Installations | presented by ParkAlbany.com
Saturday, January 28, 2023
12:00PM – 4:00PM
- Samplings from the region’s best chefs and restaurants
- Wine & Spirit samplings from your favorite brands featured by Empire Merchants North
- Educational Seminars, including the Highland Park Whiskey Tour
- Craft Beer Pavilion featuring New York State Breweries presented by DeCrescente Distributing Company
- Battle of the Bartenders: Espresso Martini Competition | presented by Stoli Vodka & Borghetti Liqueur and Robert J. McNamara Financial Consultants
- Stoli VIP Lounge | presented by Total Events
“Art Throughout the Festival” Unique Pop-Up Performances & Installations | presented by ParkAlbany.com
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
Presented by Fords Gin & Carpano Antica Vermouth and
Robert J. McNamara Financial Consultants
Albany Capital Center
Friday, January 27, 2023 | 5:00PM – 7:00PM
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
Presented by Stoli Vodka & Borghetti Liqueurs and
Robert J. McNamara Financial Consultants
Albany Capital Center
Saturday, January 28, 2023 | 1:30PM – 3:30PM
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.
© 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.