Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Announces Start to Wine Week 2015 with Wine + Food Festival in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) announced the Wine Week 2015 celebrations will begin with the Philadelphia Wine + Food Festival on Wednesday, May 6, at Lincoln Financial Field. The event will feature more than 650 wines and 100 vintners. Wine Week 2015 will continue with a Wine Festival in Pittsburgh at Heinz Field on Thursday, May 7, and conclude with the Harrisburg Wine Festival at the State Museum of Pennsylvania on Friday, May 8.

"We are excited to again be a part of the Philadelphia Wine + Food Festival. This a great event that showcases some of the best vintners from around the world, while pairing with the best local restaurants in Philly," said PLCB Chairman Tim Holden. "The great food just enhances the flavors of the wine being poured and vice versa. This is an experience you don't want to miss."

The PLCB is partnering with Philadelphia magazine to present the annual Philadelphia Wine + Food Festival. The event is a way to bring the joy and passion of wine to Philadelphians in a fun and informative way. Attendees have the chance to taste some of the best wines from around the world and sample the cuisine of some of the most popular restaurants in Philadelphia. The Lexus Lounge VIP tasting is from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., and the grand tasting follows from 6:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.phillymag.com/wineandfoodfest/. Proceeds benefit The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

"We encourage attendees to do some planning before they get to the venue," said Board Member Joseph E. Brion. "With more than 600 wines to choose from, people need to be strategic in their approach. You may want to look at what's being poured and make a plan to ensure you don't miss something you really wanted to try."

During the VIP tasting, there will be an opportunity for guests to have a more intimate experience with the winemakers and winery representatives. For example, in the Lexus Lounge, PLCB's Chairman's Selection® buyer Steve Pollack will pour a 2012 Asura Cabernet Sauvignon for a very limited time starting at 6:00 P.M. Pennsylvania is one of only two retailers in the country to have this wine available. Through the Chairman's Selection program, it is being sold for $399.99, discounted from the suggested retail price of $500 per bottle. A limited number of cases of the wine will be available for sale at the onsite Fine Wine & Good Spirits Store. Pollack will offer another tasting session, during which he will pour a 2012 Vineyards Found Cabernet Franc. Following each of the wine tastings, former Top Chef winner Nick Elmi of Laurel Restaurant in Philadelphia will prepare a specialty plate for guests to sample.

For the convenience of festival guests, the PLCB will operate an onsite Fine Wine & Good Spirits Store carrying the featured wine from each table at the event. For more information on products tasted at the wine festivals, visit www.FineWineAndGoodSpirits.com.

"The wine festivals provide the perfect opportunity to go beyond your favorite wine to try something new," said Board Member Mike Negra. "We encourage everyone to enjoy all the events have to offer, but please consume responsibly and designate a driver. A fun night should also be a safe night."

The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol and also operates more than 600 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores statewide. Taxes and store profits are returned to Pennsylvania's General Fund. For more information about the Liquor Control Board, visit www.lcb.state.pa.us.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Kriedeman, 717.576.3077

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board