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VIP 90 Experience, Early Access | Grand Tasting

Designed for true wine enthusiasts, the VIP 90 Experience offers an elevated start to the Grand Tasting with exclusive early access and rare pours. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., VIP guests are welcomed into the tasting floor ahead of the general public to explore the full collection of wines at a relaxed, unhurried pace.

During this private tasting window, guests will enjoy a caviar experience and specialty gourmet foods available only during the VIP hour, thoughtfully selected to complement the wines being poured.

As the highlight of the experience, VIP 90 guests will have access to a dedicated selection of 90-point-plus wines—exceptional, highly rated bottles that will not be available during general admission. This exclusive offering allows guests to taste limited and standout wines that represent the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship.

The VIP 90 Experience is the ultimate way to begin the Grand Tasting—refined, indulgent, and intentionally curated for those who appreciate the art of exceptional wine. This ticket also includes full admission to the Grand Tasting from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., along with access to all scheduled panel discussions.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Panel Discussions

11:00 AM – Land, Legacy, & Influence: How Vineyard Leaders Build Reputation, Relevance, & Resilience

Moderator: Annie Sherman, Journalist, Editor, Author

Part of the exclusive VIP 90 Experience.

Land, Legacy and Influence brings together vineyard leaders and respected wine writers for a thoughtful conversation about how iconic wineries remain relevant across generations. Featuring honorary guest Cynthia Lohr of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines alongside leading voices in wine media, this panel explores the intersection of heritage, storytelling, and innovation in shaping a vineyard’s enduring reputation.

12:15 PM – The Business of Wine: How Brands Grow, Market, & Thrive

Moderator: Alexa Gagosz, The Boston Globe, RI

Get an inside look at how wine brands are built, positioned, and scaled. This panel brings together industry leaders to break down what it takes to stand out, from storytelling and packaging to distribution, partnerships, and modern marketing. Hear real-world lessons on what drives growth, the challenges behind the scenes, and the strategies brands are using to thrive in a fast-changing market. Whether you’re launching something new or simply curious about what makes a label succeed, this conversation is a practical pour of insight, momentum, and fresh perspective.

1:30 PM – Beyond the Bottle: How Wine Programs Shape the Hospitality Experience

Moderator: Adam H Callaghan, Food & Wine Magazine, NYC

Step behind the bar and into the dining room. This panel explores how thoughtful wine programs elevate service, strengthen a restaurant’s identity, and create moments guests remember. Hear from hospitality leaders on building balanced lists, training teams, pairing with menus, and adapting to changing tastes and budgets without losing quality. Whether you work the floor or simply love a great night out, this conversation highlights how wine becomes part of the experience, not just what’s in the glass.

3:00 PM – The Art of the Pour: Inside the Mind of a Sommelier

Moderator: Wanda Mann, The SOMM Journal Editor, NYC

Go beyond tasting notes. This panel dives into how sommeliers think, how they build memorable pairings, and how they guide guests toward the right bottle without the pressure or pretension. Hear what it takes to develop a palate, curate a wine list, and stay current on regions, producers, and emerging styles. Whether you’re in the industry or simply want to order with more confidence, this conversation offers a clear window into the craft, instincts, and hospitality that make a great pour.

Moderators

Annie Sherman

Journalist, Editor, Author

Alexa Gagosz

The Boston Globe

Adam H Callaghan

Food & Wine Magazine, NYC

Wanda Mann

The SOMM Journal Editor, NYC

A sommelier pours red wine into a glass at a lively wine-tasting event, with elegantly dressed guests in the background holding wine glasses and engaging in conversation.

Panelists

Elizabeth McDonnell

Pizza Wine

Jeremiah Cates

Xenia Hospitality, Boston

Nicole Eacuello

The Savory Grape, East Greenwich

Stacy Morgan

The Capital Grille, Providence

Jill Barth

Wine Enthusiast

Bethany Caliaro

Oberlin, Providence

Eric Papachristos

Owner, La Padrona Raffles Boston

Babak Bina

Owner, BCB3 Hospitality, Boston

Scott Pinocci

Ocean House, Westerly

Derek Wagner

Owner, Nicks on Broadway, Providence

Johanne Killeen

Owner, Al Forno, Providence

Demetri Tsolakis

Owner, Xenia Hospitality, Boston

Matt Gant

Sakonnet Vineyards, Little Compton

Amy Racine

JF Restaurants, New York

Elisa Wybraniec

The Coast Guard House, Narragansett

Rhode Island Wine Experience logo featuring a golden wine glass with intersecting lines, symbolizing fine wine and regional tasting events.

Jon Diamond

Contessa, Boston

Nader Asgari

BCB3 Hospitality, Boston

Cynthia Lohr

Co-owner & Chief Brand Officer J. Lohr Vineyards

Rhode Island Wine Experience logo featuring a golden wine glass with intersecting lines, symbolizing fine wine and regional tasting events.

Andrea McHugh

Writer

Harry Asimis

GM Raffles Boston

Alyssa Kellogg

Arborum

John Nunes

Owner Newport Vineyards

Gail Ciampa

Food & Dining Editor at The Providence Journal

Matthew Maccartney

Group Director of Wine, Culinary Education at Ocean House

The Vintners Dinner

An exclusive pinnacle of the Rhode Island Wine Experience, the Vintners Dinner will be held at The Reserve on Dorrance in Downtown Providence, offering an intimate and elegant evening where world-class French wines meet inspired cuisine by James Beard-nominated Chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway.

Renowned for his commitment to local farms, nose-to-tail butchery, and thoughtful, regionally rooted sourcing, Chef Wagner presents a uniquely crafted menu, each course artfully paired with exceptional wines selected for the occasion. Guests will savor a culinary journey that celebrates provenance, place, and palate in one unforgettable experience.

Caroline Manera

Sommelier

Matt Gant

Sommelier

Jaimie Puckett

Sommelier & Wine Director of WineXRI

Jack Colarossi

Sommelier

Derek Wagner

Chef

Thibault Poisson

Host