A variety of beer, wine and spirits brands were showcased at Beardsley Zoo’s annual Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari in Bridgeport on June 1. Guests tasted food, beer, wine and spirits from dozens of vendors while walking through parts of the zoo, taking in museum exhibits and visiting some of its animals. Musical act The Void performed while guests played games and placed bids in the event’s large silent auction. Presented by Turnpike Spirit Shop, participating venues and caterers included The Blind Rhino, The Bites Company, Caribe Soul, Dave Grant Caterers, Fortuna’s Catering, Garden Catering, Hot Monkey Nuts, LesserEvil Snacks, Little Pub, Luna Azzurra, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nuovo Pasta, Open Door Tea, Rose Sisters Chips, Taco Loco, Vazzy’s and more. Opened in 1922, the Beardsley Zoo is Connecticut’s only zoo and is home to more than 300 animals. Serving more than 1,100 guests this year, the annual tasting event is the zoo’s largest fundraiser, benefiting the care of the zoo’s endangered species, expansion of exhibits and educational programming.
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- A variety of beer, wine and spirits brands were showcased at Beardsley Zoo’s annual Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari in Bridgeport on June 1.
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- A rosé wine pour greets a guest’s glass.
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- Gigi Lesnick, Latitude Beverage Co. showcasing 90+ Cellars Prosecco.
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- Jessica Cass, MD&S Distributors highlighting Root Out Root Beer Flavored Whisky.
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- Matthew Habdas, Sales Associate, Worldwide Wines.
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- Glen Hellthaler, Thomas Hooker Brewery.
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- Thomas Zemetis, Mamitas Tequila Seltzer.
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- Brand Ambassador Noah Bonner highlighting Stormalong Blue Skies Blueberry Cider.
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- Fishers Island Lemonade Brand Ambassador Hope Blackstock.
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- Jeffrey Mon, New England Sales Manager, Next Century Spirits highlighting Caddy Clubhouse Transfusion Cocktail and Numbskull Cool Mint & Chocolate Flavored Whiskey.
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- Brand Ambassador Gina Duenges showcasing Alma del Jaguar Tequila.
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- Paul Nerz, Vineyard Brands pouring wine for a guest.
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- Brittany Jansen, Director of Merchandising, The CoreBev Group highlighting Kavo Asimi Rum.
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- Fifth State Distillery’s Rob Schulten, Distiller and Co-founder showcasing Fifth State CT Maple Whiskey and Bridget Schulten, CEO and Co-founder highlighting Fifth State Tropical Tryst Cocktail.
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- Brand Ambassadors Ruth Cuterone and Tanner Berto with Smirnoff Smash Vodka Sodas.
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- Brand Ambassador Tamara Rivera with Vita Coco Spiked with Captain Morgan Rum.
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- Brand Ambassadors Sean Lindsey highlighting Loyal 9 Classic Margarita and Dee Ortiz showcasing Loyal 9 Mixed Berry Lemonade.
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- Vanessa Neves, CT State Manager, Taub Family Selections.
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- Greg Altieri, CSW, Adjunct Faculty, Department of Sports/Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of New Haven.
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- Brand Ambassador Marissa Saucier showcasing Margs Sparkling Classic Margarita and Sparkling Spicy Margarita.
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- The annual tasting event is the zoo’s largest fundraiser.
