Sammy’s Buyrite Liquors, in collaboration with sponsored by the Wethersfield Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, will host its annual beer and wine tasting at the William J. Pitkin Community Center on March 27. Representatives from a variety of wholesalers and distributors will be in attendance to pour selections. Guests will also have the chance to enter raffles and enjoy light appetizers. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wethersfield Volunteer Firefighter’s Association Scholarship Fund.

Opici Family Distributing of Connecticut will host a Spring Portfolio Tasting for accounts and trade guests. The Connecticut division carries wines and spirits from around the world representing over 300 producers and 1,600 different types of fine wine and spirits. This is trade only event. Please contact your sales representative with any questions. RSVP to ctmanagers@opici.com. See last year’s highlights here.

The Bottle Shop of Unionville, in partnership with the Farmington Community Chest, will host its 13th annual Wine Beer & Spirits Tasting at the Farmington Polo Club on April 4. Representatives from suppliers and distributors will pour a variety of beverage tastes for guests from more than 20 tables throughout the venue. Guests will also enjoy food catered by the culinary team at the Farmington Polo Club. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Farmington Community Chest and Farmington Police Benevolent Association.

MiKro Craft Beer Bar and Michael’s Greenhouses will host the 10th annual Greenhouse Beer Festival on April 6. Located in Cheshire, Michael’s Greenhouse is one of the state’s largest greenhouses. Plants will be in full bloom as guests walk around and sample craft beer from a number of local breweries. Local bands will perform live bluegrass music and food will be available to purchase. All proceeds will benefit The Hoyt Foundation, Smilow Cancer Hospital, and Purple Pantry Boxes. No children or babies permitted.

Brescome Barton will host its first trade show of the spring season at The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s in Darien on April 7. Accounts and trade professionals will enjoy a range of wine, spirits, beer, mixers, RTDs and more, with food and parking provided. Please ask your sales representative for more information. Trade only.

The 9th Annual Sun Whiskey Union will take place in Mohegan Sun’s Earth Ballroom on April 19. Guests will enjoy tastes of high end whiskey, Scotch, bourbon and rye, along with specialty craft cocktails, while chatting with whiskey experts and distillery representatives about their particular style of whiskey. Enjoy live music by Locals Live 2024 contestant Mad Hatter Band, with complimentary bites from House of BBQ & Bacon and NoRA Cupcake Company. A portion of ticket proceeds will support the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut.

The 14th annual Rising Pint Brewfest returns to Rentschler Field on May 10, with beer from more than 75 craft breweries on tap for guests, along with eats from popular food truck vendors, including Spot on Tacos, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Hop Häus, Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza Shop, House of BBQ & Bacon, Mama Luke’s, Big Bad Wolf and Holy Smokez BBQ. Proceeds will benefit The Reach Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing assistance to children who are in need, physically, socially and financially through programs, advocacy and more. Event is 21+. No children or pets. Rain or shine, no refunds.

Johnson Brothers of Rhode Island will host a Luxury Trade Show at Newport Harbor Island Resort on March 26. Accounts and trade professionals will enjoy a range of fine wine and spirits, with expert-led tastings and insights into each product’s unique characteristics, paired with light refreshments. Please RSVP by March 24, 2025 at 401-583-0050 or confirm with your sales consultant. Trade only.

The recently merged Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio will host its annual food and wine event, “Uncorking the Future.” The event will be part of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitor’s Bureau’s (PWCVB) Providence Culinary Collective. The festive spring event will take place on March 28,  2025 and will feature wine tastings of fine domestic and international vintages selected for this event from the cellars of local purveyors and private donors. Savory small bites are prepared by chefs from more than a dozen of the best restaurants, caterers and confectioners in Rhode Island and southeastern New England. Throughout the evening, guests may also participate in an instant-win wine grab and browse the micro-silent and live auctions offering boutique wines and unique gift packages. PBS chef Mary Ann Esposito will join Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio as the event’s celebrity guest. VIP ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive pre-event reception with Esposito from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a book signing open to all attendees.

The Newport Beer Festival will return to Fort Adams for its 13th year on April 19. The event will showcase beer from approximately 50 craft breweries with local, live music performed throughout the afternoon and food available for purchase. New this year, brewery participants from the state brewer’s guilds in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont will join participating breweries from Rhode Island. In the spirit of Earth Week, festivalgoers are encouraged to bring their own plastic can carriers for proper recycling and reuse. Each can carrier deposited in the RIBG receptacle will be good for one entry into the winner-take-all raffle – featuring more than $1,000 in brewery, sponsor and exhibitor prizes. Event is 21+, rain or shine. Proceeds will benefit the Rhode Island Brewers Guild.

Join MS Walker of Rhode Island for a spring trade tasting of world-class agave spirits and white wine portfolio selections. The spring tasting brings together sales representatives, suppliers and trade accounts for an afternoon event at Circe Prime (formerly Chapel Grille). Trade only. Contact your sales rep for more information. RSVP through your rep or  via provided email.
See last year’s highlights here.

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA)’s Women in Hospitality, in cooperation with South County Tourism, will host The Perfect Pairing event at Gooseneck Vineyards in North Kingstown. Guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening of wine, bites, and celebration with a selection of heavy appetizers perfectly paired with exquisite wines. It’s a night to toast to the amazing women shaping the hospitality world, all while enjoying delicious food, great drinks, and even better company. Women in Hospitality members are invited to bring a guest with proper registration.

Wine Wizards will host a Spring Portfolio Tasting at its Rumford warehouse. Guests will have the opportunity to taste imported wine and spirits from Wine Wizards’ latest portfolio and discuss selections with visiting suppliers and the Wine Wizards team. This is a trade only event. Please contact your sales representative for more details. See last year’s highlights here.