Calvanese Foundation Fundraiser Highlights Tastes

The 11th annual Calvanese Foundation Beer & Wine Festival at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville on July 28 benefited the Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals in the Southington community through donations to charitable causes, organizations and schools. Co-sponsored by Southington’s Worldwide Wine & Spirits, the event featured samples of beer, wine and spirits from more than 50 vendors, with the addition this year of a high-end wine and spirits VIP room. Guests paired beverage tastes with food by the Aqua Turf Club, Blackie’s, Crispy Melty by Casseus, Hot Taco Street Kitchen, Smokin’ with Chris and more. The Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation, a 501(c)(3) since 1996, honors the legacy of the late Joe and Kay Calvanese, who founded the Aqua Turf Club, and their longstanding commitment to community.

: Anthony Urillo, Director and Kathy Reinhard, Executive Director, Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation.

: Co-sponsor Worldwide Wine & Spirits of Southington’s Mitch Raczka and Jake Morrell highlighting Virginia Distillery Coffee Cask Finished Whisky and Stellum Single Barrel Rye Whiskey.

: Brian Federman, Account Development Manager, Gallo Division, Connecticut Distributors, Inc.

: Hunter Defrancesco and Nick Stavola, Worldwide Wine & Spirits with fine whiskies including Gordon’s, Sazerac Rye, Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare.

: Matt Cantwell, SoNo 1420 American Craft Distillers.

: Ben Danegger, Allan S. Goodman and Peter Lawson, Diageo.

: Sharon Vaghi, Litchfield Distillery highlighting Litchfield Distillery Old Fashioned Ready–to-Drink Cocktail.

: Colin Roberts, Bad Sons Beer Co.

: Jess Rice, Central and Northeast CT Sales Manager, Two Roads Brewing Company with Daybreaker Craft Cocktails.

: Bobby Brown, Brescome Barton showcasing Concha Y Toro Frontera Sauvignon Blanc and Unrated Xtra Cab Cabernet Sauvignon.

: Ed Sherman, CT and RI Market Representative, Caledonia Spirits showcasing Barr Hill Gin.

: Brand Ambassador Erin Duggan with canned cocktails from Fabrizia Spirits in Italian Margarita, Italian Breeze and Italian Style Lemonade.

: Jessica Kelly, New England Market Manager, Westward Whiskey highlighting Westward American Single Malt Whiskey.

: Tim Raymond, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company showcasing Captain Lawrence Elderflower Lemonade Hard Seltzer and Citra Dreams Hazy IPA.

: Andrew Greenleaf, CT & RI Market Manager, Bully Boy Distillers pouring Bully Boy Amaro Spritz.

: Douglas Meaney, State Manager CT/RI, Clonakilty Distillery.

: Jennifer Dimmock and Sami Dagonstino, Fishers Island Lemonade.

: Ryan Hovan, Sales, New England Brewing Co. pouring New England Brewing Co. Welcome to NEBCo Lager.

: Jessica McClure, Regional Sales Representative, Winebow highlighting Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc.

: Taylor Gillaspie and Aaron Stepka, Co-owners, Drink Mechanics.

: Andy Tremaglio, Votto Vines Importing showcasing Upstate Vodka by Sauvage Distillery.

: Debbie Licho, Tony Tine and Joe Tine, Co-owners, Waypoint Spirits.

: Nilda Flores, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin.

: Volunteers Janice Gannon, Alice McGann, Kathy Meyers and Maureen Konfala.

: Whitney Chisholm, Worldwide Wine & Spirits showcasing Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec Champagne.

: Amanda Doll, Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI), showcasing Belle Glos Pinot Noir.

: Ben Carranza, Worldwide Wine & Spirits pouring a taste of Clase Azul Reposado Tequila.

: Peter Lawson, Diageo, highlighting Whistlepig Smokestock Whiskey.

: Sarah Appleby and Kim Stavola, Worldwide Wine & Spirits showcasing wine from The Prisoner Wine Company.

: Colin Baldwin, Account Development Specialist, Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI)., showcasing The Dalmore Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.