Press Release: Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s CulinaryArts@SPAC Presents Eric Asimov: Wines of the Finger Lakes
March 2, 2023
Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s CulinaryArts@SPAC Presents Eric Asimov: Wines of the Finger Lakes
The New York Times Chief Wine Critic will lead a guided tasting through world-class wines from New York’s Finger Lakes Region at Canfield Casino
Thursday, April 20 from 6:00-8:30PM
Saratoga Springs, NY (March 2, 2023) – Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces the latest CulinaryArts@SPAC event, Eric Asimov: Wines of the Finger Lakes, featuring The New York Times chief wine critic and author, Eric Asimov. Asimov, a connoisseur and champion of the growing region, will lead guests through an expert guided tasting of six different wines from New York’s Finger Lakes region including Riesling, the signature wine of the region, as well as a selection of reds from Ravines Wine Cellars, Forge Cellars and Bloomer Creek Vineyard, in addition to a sparkling wine from chëpìka. Hors d’oeuvres to complement the wines will also be served. The event is slated for April 20th from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs.
“Our Culinary Arts initiative was created to celebrate our local farmers, chefs, and the overall culinary bounty of the region. With this special event, we are expanding our radius and inviting The New York Times chief wine critic Eric Asimov to bring the wines of New York’s Finger Lakes region to Saratoga. Wine connoisseurs and social wine drinkers, alike, will be both enthralled by his insights and tantalized by the spectacular wines and tastings,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Asimov is the chief wine critic of The New York Times and the author of “How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto,’’ published by William Morrow, and “Wine With Food: Pairing Notes and Recipes From The New York Times.’’ His column appears in the Food section of The Times. On his participation in the upcoming CulinaryArts@SPAC event, he states, “The Finger Lakes is the most exciting wine region in New York and one of the most interesting in the United States.”
Eric Asimov: Wines of the Finger Lakes will include a sparkling wine reception with hors d’oeuvres and a guided tasting led by Asimov and the vintners from each winery, followed by a Q&A. Asimov will share his expertise on the wines with tasting notes and insights, and also discuss the viticulture of New York’s Finger Lake region and why it belongs in the national conversation alongside other famed wine regions like Napa. Kim Klopstock of Lily and the Rose along with the Culinary Arts team will provide bespoke hors d’oeuvres designed to complement the wines.
Beyond its amphitheater stage, SPAC has become a year-round gathering place celebrating the artistry of food in building community while empowering individuals to understand how what we eat influences our communities and our planet. The CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative, founded in 2020, combines culinary excellence and education with exquisite food that emphasizes socially conscious cultivation and consumption, local procurement, and fair wages.
Eric Asimov: Wines of the Finger Lakes is produced by Kim Klopstock of Lily and the Rose and Pam Abrams, with Tiina Loite. Additional support is provided by Four Seasons Natural Foods.
Tickets cost $125 per person. Visit spac.org for details.
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About Eric Asimov:
Eric Asimov is the chief wine critic of The New York Times and the author of “How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto,’’ published by William Morrow, and “Wine With Food: Pairing Notes and Recipes From The New York Times,’’ written with recipes by Florence Fabricant and published by Rizzoli. His column appears in the Food section of The Times. He is on Twitter and Instagram, @EricAsimov. A collection of his columns is included in “The New York Times Book of Wine,’’ published by Sterling Epicure.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious summer festivals. Its tranquil setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws vacation crowds and arts connoisseurs each year for immersive experiences of performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as CulinaryArts@SPAC, Literary Arts including WAMC@SPAC events, and Caffè Lena @ SPAC.
SPAC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s children’s education programs and support the vibrancy of its classical season. For more information visit spac.org.