Well, it’s been almost a week since the 2006 Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest and we’re just about fully recovered. What an amazing weekend it was! The Grand Reserve Tasting event on Friday evening was sold out and the event raised over $5000 for the educational programs of Cornell Cooperative Extensions. For the Fest, we ended up with 119 vendors (including 43 NY wineries) and an attendance of just over 11,000 people for the weekend. That’s a 50% increase over last year! It even poured (and I mean POURED) rain on us Saturday afternoon, but that didn’t seem to dampen spirits much, thanks to the giant white tents.

Everyone here at the WineRacks.com Fest offices is very appreciative of all the efforts put forth by everyone involved. The actual list of “Thank Yous” would probably take all day to write, but I do have to say particular thanks to the wonderful folks at the Dutchess and Ulster Cornell Cooperative Extensions. You’re bright smiles and enthusiasm, really helped to make this year’s Grand Reserve a success. Thanks to the AMAZING restaurants and caterers who provided food for the evening. Thank you also goes out to our wonderful sponsors for your continued support and active participation. Thanks Professor John Nihoff and the super students of the Culinary Institute of America for being the cogs that kept the machine running. And finally, “Thanks!” to the demonstrating chefs, vendors, wineries, musicians and friends and family that helped us throughout the weekend.

We’re already hard at work on planning Wine & Food Fest 2007 which will happen on September 8th and 9th next year. Keep an eye on www.hudsonvalleywinefest.com for all the details.

Cheers!