Raise a patriotic glass to holiday wine tastings events

Posted by The Sun Wine Novice on May 20th, 2015

The Wine Connextion in North Andover is promoting its American pride in Zinfandel this weekend. Here is a listing of upcoming wine tastings, including three in Andover and Lowell, that you might consider for an enjoyable experience.

• On Saturday, May 23, Sam and Tina Messina pay homage to U.S. veterans and Memorial Day with a patriotic “Zins and Sliders” tasting event at the Wine ConneXtion in North Andover. The event runs from 1-5 p.m. and is free. If you are firing up the grill this holiday, you don’t want to miss out. Sam’s taking out his power-packed California Zinfandels and offering discounts that should earn him a medal. Plus, he and Tina are cooking the sliders. Medium rare, Sam, and I’ll be there!

• Also, on Saturday, at 3-5 p.m., Andover Classic Wines in the Shawsheen Plaza on Route 28 in Andover will be holding its weekly free tasting. Say hello to wine manager Andrea DiFiore, ask her for a suggestion or two, and you’ll be drinking happily for the weekend.

• Tutto Bene Wine Shop in downtown Lowell will also be hosting a tasting event on Saturday, May 23, from 1-4 p.m. Mike Provencher of Horizon Beverages will be pouring reds and whites for all occasions. Ask Richard “Ricardo” Rourke, the store’s owner, if you can sample some of his prized rosés.

• On Thursday, May 28, Jo-Ann Ross, a certified French wine instructor, will host a tasting on Lanquedoc wines at Wine Sense, from 5-8 p.m. The store is located on North Main Street, Andover. The event is free. Ross is highly enjoyable and enlightening; you’ll never be intimidated by a French wine label again if you attend. If you have any wine tasting events you’d like to promote, send the information to [email protected]