Albany Capital Center

Experience all the flavor and fun of our Grand Tastings, where food, wine, spirit, cider, and beer vendors from across the Capital Region come together for a full-on foodie celebration. Guests can stroll through immersive tasting rooms, sample delectable bites, discover new favorites, and connect with this year’s Rising Star Chefs. Whether you are a seasoned epicurean or simply looking to get groovy, there is something here for everyone.

Do not miss our interactive food and beverage seminars, held throughout the Grand Tastings. These intimate, first-come, first-served experiences are limited to 50 guests each and deliver unforgettable demonstrations, tastings, pairings, and behind-the-scenes insight from top culinary professionals.

Seminar Schedule

Drink the Best, Save the Bees
Friday, Jan. 23   |   5:00–5:30 PM
Join Ryan Christiansen, Co-Founder, President, and Master Distiller of Caledonia Spirits, for an inside look at the Barr Hill story, where world-class gin, raw Vermont honey, and bee conservation come together. The seminar includes guided tastings of Barr Hill’s core expressions and a special new release.

What Flavor Looks Like
Friday, Jan. 23   |   6:30–7:00 PM
Joining forces, Nelly Turner, Owner of Nelly’s Treats, and local artist Tracy Loring host a playful, hands-on seminar where you will sip sparkling rosé, enjoy handcrafted chocolate pairings, and grab a paintbrush to turn flavor and feeling into art. No rules, just taste, sip, and create.

Stars in Their Mouths
Saturday, Jan. 24   |   1:00–1:30 PM
Restaurant reviewers discuss the art, craft, controversy, joy and drudgery of dining criticism. Grab a glass of bubbles, meet your panelists and ask them questions.

• Steve Barnes, Times Union senior writer and Table Hopping columnist
• Susie Davidson Powell, creator and editor of The Dishing and formerly Times Union freelance restaurant critic for 10 years
• Pat Fleming, founder and host, “Another Day Another Diner”
• Stephanie Gravalese, Albany-based freelance restaurant critic for the Times Union
• Bryan Miller, former chief restaurant critic of The New York Times
• Shannon Miller, Hudson Valley freelance restaurant critic for the Times Union

The Depth and Nuance of Cider
Saturday, Jan. 24   |   2:30–3:00 PM
Join Nine Pin for a guided tasting led by their Pommelier, exploring the depth and versatility of craft cider. Carefully selected expressions highlight apple varieties, balance, and technique, offering a fresh perspective on what cider can be.

Be sure to swing by the high-energy Battle of the Bartenders, where maverick mixologists compete with cutting-edge creations. Friday’s showdown will feature Rock and Roll Pours, while Saturday’s competition brings the heat with Psychedelic Sips.