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Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival kicks off with a guided Italian wine tasting by local author and educator Kevin Zraly.
Prepare for a major culture shock during our Italian Wine Experience with Kevin Zraly, the premier event in Westchester Magazine‘s Wine & Food Festival in 2021. On Tuesday, September 21, wine expert Zraly and Chef Anthony Goncalves are taking attendees on a trip to Europe, all from the comfort of a boutique, luxury hotel in the heart of White Plains.
Zraly’s name may sound familiar, and for good reason. Between 1976 and 2001, the Hudson Valley resident held the position of wine director for the illustrious Windows on the World Restaurant atop the World Trade Center. To date, the renowned author and educator has sold more than three million copies of his written guide, titled: Windows on the World Complete Wine Course.
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With eight books and 50 years of teaching under his belt, Zraly has established himself as one of the world’s premier wine educators. He shares his passion through classes at his Wine School, which accommodate everyone from the casual drinker to the expert collector. During the event, Zraly will hold condensed seminars with samples of fine wines that highlight different regions of Italy.
Photo by Sara Strauss
Surely everyone appreciates a sip of Sangiovese, but what is a Wine and Food Festival without any food? This is where Chef Anthony Goncalves comes in. On top of his 14-year career in the food business, Goncalves is also the owner of Kanopi, the restaurant and venue at which the event is taking place, and which is sure to provide a gorgeous backdrop for the evening.
High up on the 42nd floor of The Opus Westchester, Autograph Collection, Kanopi is an airy, stylish space with floor-to ceiling picture windows overlooking the city. Enjoy the view while Chef Goncalves cranks out hors d’oeuvres as part of an authentically European experience.
Goncalves brings his own flair to the event — his food is inspired by his connections to Portugal and appreciation for the heritage behind every ingredient. The result is delicious, seasonal Portuguese cuisine that’s always fresh and elegantly presented.
At the Italian Wine Experience, guests can watch the sun dip below the skyscrapers while sipping spirits and savoring appetizers. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with dinner starting at 8 p.m. Individual tickets range from $95 to $150, including dinner. We encourage staying for the whole event — you’ll leave with a head full of newfound knowledge and a belly full of hearty food.