The Philadelphia Wine & Cocktail Festival was the perfect event for wine connoisseurs, mixologists and just about anyone who loves a great wine or cocktail. The event took place at the brand new Event Center at Sugarhouse Casino. General admission for $40 included dozens of wine and cocktail samples in a custom sampling glass. VIP admission tickets went for $60 and included unlimited wine and cocktail samples, extra VIP-only wines and cocktails, a custom sampling glass and also allowed an hour early entry to the event to beat the rush. All attendees also received $20 in free slot play (new rewards members, $10 current members) at SugarHouse Casino.
Event-goers got to partake in a silent auction and sample wine, cocktails and premium liquors, cheeses, sauces and other light bites. It was a great sampling of local, national and regional wines and liquors. We got to try some truly amazing hand-crafted cocktail masterpieces. True Syrups & Garnishes served up some refreshing cocktail samples made with their natural cocktail syrup that includes ingredients the way they were made in the pre-prohibition era. Cardinal Hollow Winery had a refreshing peach wine that was perfect for a warm, summer night (or anytime really). Fox & Hound kept it fun and festive with a tasty blue cocktail. As for the food, we especially loved Hank Sauce, a unique hot sauce that would taste perfect with some pulled pork, chicken or a burger! The event also featured live beats from guest DJ’s and live acoustic music from some of Philly’s favorite artists. A quick break on the balcony to soak in the night air was a welcome treat for a mid-summer evening.
Everyone seemed to be very relaxed and happy at the Philadelphia Wine & Cocktail Festival (a great cocktail has that affect!). We can’t wait to purchase a few of the wines and liquors that we sampled. The event was well-attended, so make sure to get your tickets early for next year!
An impressive ice sculpture liquor display.Herr’s chips and pretzels and water to take a break from all the cocktails and wine sampling.The silent auction items were quite impressive with lots of sports memorabilia.A signed Beauty and the Beast movie poster was up for grabs as part of the silent auction.A signed Eagles helmet.The place was packed with people from all walks of life (21 and up of course!).Psychic readings were available for those who wished to gaze into their future.Cheers to summer, drinking on a weeknight and to this beautiful city, Philadelphia.These festival glasses were just the perfect size for sampling wines and cocktails.It was a full house from the event’s start to finish.We got to sample some Hank Sauce – so unique and tasty!Refreshing peach wine from Paradocx Vineyards.Lots of samples to try from True Syrups & Garnishes.True Syrups & Garnishes makes cocktail syrups, garnishes, and ingredients the way they were made in the pre-prohibition era.Kevin from Bespoke Bacon giving out bacon jam samples. Now bacon can go on everything!A local artist’s work for sale depicting some classic Philly symbols and skylines.So much to see and sample.The event showcased a large liquor bottled-shaped ice sculpture for decoration.Treats by Hilary Banks offered sweet strawberry lemonade or pina coolata flavored cupcakes for sampling.Treats by Hilary Banks cupcakes.Stone & Key Cellars wineA list describing all the wines available at Stone & Key Cellars.A warning from Cardinal Hollow Winery about their jalapeno wine.Cardinal Hollow Winery – our favorite was the peach wine.Scrumptious mac ‘n cheese samples with your choice of hot sauce or BBQ sauce.There was a huge line for Cabot cheese.The pretty cocktails from Fox & Hound stood out against the crowd.Our Fox & Hound blue cocktail.Live music kept the party going throughout the event.A’Dello Wine samples.The beautiful Philly skyline is so peaceful at night.Black Dog Wine Company even had their mascot there to help give out samples.Templeton Tyvve Whiskey wasn’t messing around with this guy manning their table.Mount Gay Rum samples were made with fresh juice.Some ladies having a great time dancing to the music.It was a lovely weeknight out for all.
