Boston Wine Expo's revamped layout a reason to cheers

The Boston Wine Expo returns in March with various vendors, tastings, and other events, spearheaded by show director Raffaele Scalzi.

The two-day expo running from March 2-3 at the Park Plaza Hotel is anticipating more than 4,000 attendees and over 100 wineries represented. While the expo has more than 20 years of existence, Scalzi took the organizational reins in 2018.

Before Scalzi took over, the expo would feature around 400 vendors and roughly 12,000 attendees. With recent modifications to heighten the event’s exclusivity, Scalzi believes it will enhance the overall quality of the expo.

“We hit that 4,000 attendee projection last year, so we know that there was an audience here in Boston,” he told the Herald. “We know that even though the expo had a little pause, this affluent and knowledgeable wine community is still here.”

Modifications include splitting the two-day events into multiple sessions to ensure a safer environment, a more optimal tasting space for attendees and to deter attendees from drinking straight through the day. The changes, he said, have led to a positive reception from both attendees and vendors who are excited to have true members of the wine community participate in this regional showcase.

The expo’s presence, even under the modified format, Scalzi said, remains one of the largest in the entire region. That reputation is a selling point to those seeking to promote their products in a large-scale setting and others looking to add to a collection of wines.

“We have some national brands that participate at the expo so if they want to market in Boston this year and have a big New England presence, there is no other wine event in the area that you can go to and see this many producers at the same time,” Scalzi said.

While the coronavirus pandemic forced the entire hospitality industry to change course, Scalzi said there was a silver lining in terms of planning an event for whenever governmental restrictions were lifted.

“We were shooting for a much bigger event prior to COVID and the pandemic definitely changed the landscape of our program,” Scalzi said. “Now, we’re absolutely fine with just 4,000 people coming to the event.”

Though the event is catered to a knowledgeable wine community, restauranteurs and retail liquor store owners, Scalzi encouraged others to take part and enhance their wine-tasting experience.

“Overall, this event is about finding something new and networking with like-minded individuals,” he said. “I would say to come and try all your favorite wines and find something new.”

The expo will feature five tasting class events including Intro to Wine Tasting, Wines of the Piedmont, Belle Glos Pinot Noir, Uncorking Bordeau and For The Love of Sake. Each class lasts from 90-120 minutes with tickets costing $65 each.