The 15th annual Calvanese Foundation Beer & Wine Tasting Festival at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville on July 25 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, and a separate Premier Tasting section offered tastes of high-end wines and spirits. Guests paired beverage tastes with food by the Aqua Turf Club, Pig Rig BBQ, Spot on Tacos, Crispy Melty by Caseus 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 long-standing commitment to community.
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- Taylor Deegan, Event Organizer and General Manager, Worldwide Wine & Spirits and Kathy Reinhard, Executive Director, Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation.
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- Peter Lawson, Worldwide Wine & Spirits showcasing Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
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- Sarah Appleby, Worldwide Wine & Spirits highlighting Tequila Komos Extra Añejo.
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- Brand Ambassador Lindsey Duggan showcasing Whispering Angel The Beach Rosé and Volcán de Mi Tierra Blanco Tequila.
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- Andrew Greenleaf, CT and RI Market Manager, Bully Boy Distillers showcasing Bully Boy Amaro.
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- John Henry, John Henry Co. and Nathan Smedley, Stormalong Cider.
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- Douglas Meaney, Via Carota Craft Cocktails showcasing Via Carota Negroni Sbagliato and Espresso Martini.
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- Ed Cavallaro, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company.
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- Nick Hamby, Sales Representative, Brescome Barton highlighting Cenote Cristalino Tequila.
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- Brand Ambassador Camila Guisao showcasing 90+ Cellars Rosé.
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- Caitlin Guelakis and Steve Anderson, Two Roads Brewing Company.
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- Jesse Springer, New England Brewing Co. highlighting New England Brewing Co. Fuzzy Baby Ducks IPA and Sea Hag IPA.
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- Jake Lounsbury, Market Development Representative, Sazerac Company showcasing Traveller Whiskey.
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- Manny Gutierrez, New Belgium Brewing.
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- Lorenzo Rubini, Northeast Sales Manager, Mack & Schuhle highlighting Conte Camillo Negroni and Dee Babkirk, showcasing Finvara Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey.
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- Litchfield Distillery Brand Ambassador Sharon Vaghi.
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- Brand Ambassador Morgan Blaunt showcasing Michter’s Unblended American Whiskey.
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- Natalie Rickar, Whalers Brewing Company highlighting Whalers Rise APA.
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- Brand Ambassador Joanna Denovelis showcasing Código 1530 Reposado Tequila.
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- Ashley Thompson, The Finnish Long Drink highlighting the Midnight Sun Variety Pack.
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- Gabe Hovey, Brand Ambassador and Rob Brechter, Territory Sales Manager, Sono 1420 America’s Maritime Distillery.
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- Gary Dritschler, CT State Manager, Campari America highlighting Wilderness Trail Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
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- Caleb Janetatos, Key Account Manager, Bronco Wine Co. showcasing Carmenet Reserve Chardonnay and Blanc de Bleu Cuvée.
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- Peter Reilly, Counter Weight Brewing Co.
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- Anthony Tine, Chief Technology Officer, Waypoint Spirits.
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- Veronika Freeman, Sales Representative, Downeast Cider House and Cassandra Tambling, Brand Ambassador.
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- Volunteer Chris Cipriano.
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- Volunteer Deb Junkins showcasing Far Niente Chardonnay.
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- Volunteer Missy Cipriano, Waterford Irish Single Malt Whisky.
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- Brand Ambassador Tara Brunelle showcasing Iron + Sand Cabernet Sauvignon.
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- Jeff Rogers, Rogers Orchards highlighting Long View Ciderhouse Rooibos.
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- Volunteer Mike Soltys showcasing Côté Mas Rosé Aurore.
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- Brand Ambassador Tara Mulvey showcasing Lolea White Sangria Frizzante.
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- Nathan Smedley, Stormalong Cider highlighting Stormalong Blue Skies Blueberry Cider and Blue Hills Orchard Unfiltered Cider.
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- Robert Nuzzello, New England Market Manager, RIPE Bar Juice.
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- Jeffrey Mon, Next Century Spirits highlighting Bear Fight Kentucky Reserve Whiskey and Numbskull Cool Mint & Chocolate Flavored Whiskey.
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- Joe Orsini and Mike Ligon, Lawson’s Finest Liquids.
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- Volunteer Bill Shatan showcasing Rustic Spirits Margarita.
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- Gary Gurecki and Jake Morrell, Worldwide Wine & Spirits.
