Every year we head to Orlando or Las Vegas to explore the latest in wine, beer and spirits at the Wine and Spirits Wholesaler Association. It’s an honor and a privilege to get first-hand looks at new brands, redesigns for existing brands, and an opportunity to meet the people behind the brands themselves from investors and distributors to distillers and marketing. Rarely does the public have an opportunity to view these brand launches before they go onto market—until now.
This Sunday, in Orlando Grand Lakes, the public is invited to a very special day of introduction, tastings, direct in-person access to the wine and spirit makers, and a chance to learn about the art of making those drinkable wonders we so love and admire accessible.
For retailers aiming to strengthen their bar programs and enthusiasts looking to learn from the masters, this event taking place on March 31 will give you that and more.
TICKETS $150 | BUY TICKETS HERE
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Why are the classic cocktails made the way they are? What are the latest trends in each spirit category? Learn from the premier wholesaler mixologists that set these trends at the day’s first session: a Master Mixology Class. Zane Lamprey (host of “Four Sheets” premiering on #DrinkTV) will lead a discussion with master mixologists Troy Clarke (Martignetti Companies), Natalia Cardenas (Breakthru Beverage Illinois), David Ortiz (Republic National Distributing Company), and Armando Rosario (Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits).
Audience members will have the opportunity to rotate through two small group mixology demos offered by spirit type: Gin, Vodka, Bourbon/Whiskey, and Tequila. Each breakout will cover topics like acid/base balance, new techniques, flavor combinations, and how glassware makes a difference. It’s advanced cocktail training for industry professionals or anyone who wants to mix like one.
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WINE SEMINAR
Wine connoisseurs will love the Wine Seminar, which kicks off with a keynote by Master Sommelier Bob Bath of Culinary Institute of America, Greystone and COPIA Napa. This TED-like talk will explore trends in current consumption, wine varietals, what you should have in your personal cellar and wines by region. Taste established brands, and a few that have yet to make their market debuts, and chat with representatives from the wineries. This session is also relevant for on and off-premise retailers.
SHOP + SIP
The Wine & Spirits MarketPlace, showcasing books, bar tools, aprons, and other fun items for sale. Wine and spirits brands are invited to pour and display their products. Enter a blind tasting challenge to see if you can discern the difference between wine sold in pouches, kegs, or cans, and learn from WSWA member experts about other innovative wine packaging.
WSWA SUPPLIER LEADERSHIP SERIES
This series will dramatically change the way retailers do business. Here, industry heavyweights will address distribution-related issues as well as brand building, how to stand out in a sea of similar SKUs, alternative 3-tier compliant routes to market, finding venture capital, and navigating compliance and state laws. Bruce Himelstein, named “One of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing” for his work with Ritz-Carlton, will be keynote speaker. Mr. Himelstein will be joined by Louis Zweig (Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits), Kristen Bareuther (First Beverage Ventures), Cheryl Durzy (LibDib), Harry Kohlmann (Park Street), Ryan Moses (Best Brands), and Brian Rosen (BevStrat) for this important education session.
The Retailer and Consumer Day is sponsored by Chilled Magazine and The SOMM Journal, and by WSWA’s in-market distributor partners Breakthru Beverage, Republic National Distributing Company, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
The Retailer and Consumer Day is $150 per person; click here to register. Sessions are included in the Convention registration fee for all registered attendees of #WSWA76.
#WSWA76 will take place March 31 – April 3. This year’s event features keynote speaker Ice-T, the lively Taste of the Industry grand tasting, mixology and tasting competitions, two packed Exhibit Halls, Brand Battle, and more. Learn about the WSWA Annual Convention & Exposition at www.wswaconvention.org.
WSWA is the national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesalers, distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 370 member locations in 50 states and the District of Columbia and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the U.S.
Book a room at Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando
