These are just some of the statistics that help to tell the success story that is Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival.
In seven years it has emerged as the signature culinary and beverage event kicking off the summer season in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.
With the 2018 festival slated for June 5 through June 10, the numbers will continue to grow as new restaurants, fine wines, spirits, craft beers, specialty foods and so much more including, the best in burgers are featured.
This year's benefiting charities are Feeding Westchester and the Westchester Parks Foundation.
Visit www.westchestermagazine.com/winefood for complete details and to buy tickets.
“It’s truly amazing to look back at how this event has continued to evolve and grow,” said Westchester Magazine Publisher Ralph Martinelli.
Martinelli recalled that in the beginning there were perhaps 50 wines to taste, 15 chefs participating and a modest burger tasting event. And since then? Some 50,000 attendees have sampled more than 1,000 fine wines from around the world.
During the event’s Grand Tasting Village alone, 6,000 bottles of wine have been served and 360 restaurants from across Westchester have been featured.
The Thursday night Burger & Beer Blast at Kensico Dam Park has become the hottest ticket in town. That feature was added in 2013, so the 315,000 total burgers served is actually a five-year figure.
And Martinelli proudly pointed out that $200,000 has been raised for local charities.
For 2018, Westchester Magazine is gearing up to present the biggest and best Wine & Food Festival yet.
“Our small festival has grown tremendously over the past seven years,” said Peter Kelly, Chef/Owner of Xaviar’s Restaurant Group and co-founder of the event. “We’re showcasing incredibly talented chefs and delicious wines."
This year, Harrison Wine Vault will be the exclusive wine retailer.
“This year’s festival will feature an outstanding, hand-selected collection of fine wines,” said the event’s wine consultant, Kevin Zraly.
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