I’ve been putting these tastings on for almost 12 years now, and I sometimes take for granted how special these events really are…I’m speaking of the ABC Fine Wine & Spirits wine tastings that you can find somewhere in almost every part of Florida on a given Wednesday or Thursday night.

Now I know what you’re thinking, "Big deal! A wine tasting…everyone does those." Well, in a way you’re right in saying that, because nowadays most everywhere retail wine is sold, someone is having a wine tasting of some sort--just check the local “What’s Happening” section of the newspaper. From small mom-and-pop shops, boutique retailers, grocery stores or large retailers like ABC, someone is having a wine tasting on almost any given night of the week. But the only thing ABC’s wine tastings have in common with the others is the name; that is where the similarities emphatically end.  

A few of the biggest differences are the amount of preparation involved and the scope of the events themselves. We start setting up an event the day before, not because we want to, but because to do it right it takes a little more time. Quite a lot goes into the setup--much more than just grabbing a card table out of the stockroom or setting four or five wines at the end of the bar. A typical event in a larger store has 30 or more tables to sample over 100 assorted wines, spirits, craft beers and gourmet offerings. Occasionally, a wine celebrity such as a winemaker, importer or owner will be in attendance to answer all the questions that our guests can come up with. Oh by the way, did I mention all this for just $10, and you get to keep a complimentary wine glass?! So with the much appreciated and invaluable involvement of our wholesale partners, an ABC tasting has much more in common with a $50 or higher priced ticket charity wine event.

One of the best reasons to attend an ABC wine tasting is that they are not focused on any one type of wine drinker. You will find wines from practically every major--and sometimes minor--winemaking region from around the globe. You get an opportunity to taste wines made from grapes you have never heard of or maybe one you just haven’t had a chance to try. We attempt to cover all the bases as far as price, region, grape varietal and style. Recently at the Fleming Island ABC Wine Tasting, a guest of ours was introduced to Aragosta, a wine made from the Vermentino grape produced on the island of Sardinia. She was also thrilled to meet the importer, Nadia Galati, who was there to share her charm and knowledge of her unique and delicious wines. You should know that many ABC stores have a wine tap system that will allow you to sample a number of different wines at any time the store is open…and that is free of charge.

If you have not had the chance to do so, make your way to an ABC wine tasting near you. How do you find this out you ask? Simply click here to go to our online event calendar! Look for a tasting in your neck of the vineyard, grab a friend or two and enjoy!

Ken Amendola ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwinekena