New York Wine Experience

New York Wine Experience is a grand tasting wine festival hosted by Wine Spectator held over three days in October in New York — featuring over 260 wines rated 90+ by Wine Spectator editors, with proceeds supporting the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, which has raised $30 million for wine and culinary education.

The festival centers on the Critics' Choice Grand Tastings, two evening events showcasing high-scoring releases and rare older vintages from top wine-growing regions worldwide. Attendees can opt for individual tasting evenings at $420.23 per night, or commit to the full Weekend Package at $2,695, which includes seated wine seminars led by prominent winemakers, wine-pairing luncheons, VIP early access to the tastings, and a champagne reception. The event draws 3,000+ wine lovers annually and has operated for 45 years.

Weekend Package holders gain entry to seminars on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, plus daytime luncheons and evening tastings. All events follow a business casual dress code. The New York Marriott Marquis serves as the host hotel and has reserved discounted rooms for attendees. Early bird pricing is available, and individual tasting tickets can be purchased separately if the full weekend doesn't fit your schedule. The festival's charitable mission — funding scholarships and grants across wine and culinary programs — distinguishes it from purely commercial tastings.