Savor Debut Creates Opportunities for Guests and Suppliers

Savor, “A celebration of Wine, Food & Spirits,” presented by Foxwoods Resort Casino debuted on April 11 and 12 at the Connecticut Convention Center. Savor offered guests, and the industry professionals who participated as exhibitors, sponsors and presenters, a weekend of beverages, food and demonstrations. Dozens of Connecticut distributors and suppliers, as well as brand ambassadors and tasting demonstrators, offered a variety of wines, spirits and beers for guests to sample. Many brands used the event as an opportunity for seeking market representation, while others had the chance to broaden their awareness. Chef Robert Irvine hosted the event, and a portion of its proceeds went to benefit his not-for-profit Robert Irvine Foundation, which supports charities that help military veterans and their families, as well as those in active service. A diverse range of local, national and international culinary talents and celebrities highlighted the event’s food focus and sampling opportunities. Savor has announced dates for next year: April 8 and 9, 2016.

: USBG CT’s Dimitrios Zahariadis, Carl Summa and Anthony DeSerio. Photo by Michael Leung.

: Chef Prasad Chirnomula of Thali Restaurants and Oaxaca Kitchen. Photo by Michael Leung.

: Gary Grunner, Managing Partner, Grapes on the Go. Photo by Michael Leung.

: William Grant & Sons Brand Ambassador Gemma Cole for Tullamore Dew, District Manager Jamie Montesi and Fred Parent, Brand Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin. Photo by Michael Leung.

: Plan B Burger Bar’s Samantha Marbles. Photo by Michael Leung.

: Sabina Sitaru, Chief Innovation Officer, City of Hartford. Photo by Michael Leung.

: Gary Dritschler, Market Manager, Campari America.

: Tom Bradshaw, Regional Manager, Fishbowl Spirits.

: Caitlin Waskiewicz, Brewery Representative, The Boston Beer Company.

: Christina Sibilio, Events Manager, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.

: Matt Scott, Meteorologist, FOX-TV CT and Veronica Saurett, Wine & Spirit Account Development Manager, Brescome Barton.

: Daniel Kemp, Wine Director, Brescome Barton; Lauren Jennings, Account Trade Development Manager, Brescome Barton; and Steve Casey, Zone Manager, Sales, Brescome Barton.

: Jean Erickson, Wine Director, David Rosengarten and Golden Ram Wine Imports; Richard van den Akker, Marketing Director, Winetracks, Chateau La Tulipe and Michel Rolland Value Wines, Holland; Isotta Meomi, Partner, Svoltacarrozze Super Tuscan Wines, Italy.

: Christina Sibilio, Events Manager, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.

: Christina Sibilio, Events Manager, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.

: Douglas McCleod, Sales Manager, Mionetto USA.

: Frank Sonsotta, State Manager, Kobrand and Lars M. Guy, State Manager, Kobrand.

: Robert McDonald, Four Corners Liquor & Wine Shop, Stamford and wife, Christine.

: Edward Allen, Foxwoods Executive Chef and Phil Passalacqua, Zone Manager, Brescome Barton.

: Emily Clarke, Marketing Manager, Polly & Joan’s Cordial Co.

: Chef Robert Irvine, host of Savor. A portion of proceeds from the event went to the Robert Irvine Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that supports individual military personnel (active, retired and veterans) as well as organizations that support such individuals, including Helmets to Hardhats.

: Jamie Yaffa, Sales, Murphy Distributors; Branden Hylwa, Representative, Murphy Distributors; and Savor guest.

: Jim Holladay, Ambassador, Quality Liquids.

: Donna Taylor of Vine Ventures and Addison Fine Wine & Spirits pouring Constellation Brands for CDI.

: Savor, presented by Foxwoods Resort Casino, brought together industry professionals and thousands of visitors to the Connecticut Convention Center on April 10 and 11, 2015. Photo by Michael Leung.