Back in May, I wrote a blog about the New York City Wine & Food Festival to be held this fall, September 29 thru October 2. Tickets are now available for this massive event. Tickets are per event; while some may find prices to be steep, it should be remembered that this is a charity event. According to the event website, “100% of the net proceeds benefit the Food Bank For New York City, fighting hunger in the five boroughs; and Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit working to end childhood hunger in America. In 2010, the Festival raised more than $1.2 million for these charities, helping them better provide for those they serve and closing the gap on hunger in our country.”

Here are a few more details about the New York City Wine & Food Festival for 2011. Four grand tastings and several dinners are scheduled. Also look for seminars and panel discussions.

Seminars at the festival will be on Saturday and Sunday. Included in the lineup are:

• Vertical Tasting of Santa Rita Casa Real: 8 Outstanding Vintages of an Iconic South American Gem hosted by Laura
• Petrossian Caviar Seminar with Ray Isle
• Riedel presents Crystal Clear: Does The Glass Make a Difference?
• Cheese Essentials
• Around the World with Pinot Noir

Don’t miss some of the Panel discussions and other activities from Meatpacking Local. You will find

• New York Insiders with Master Sommelier Laura DePasqu
• What is the Ultimate Restaurant Experience?
• Dining Sustainably in New York Restaurants

Tickets are available per event or as a package. If you are thinking about attending any of the scheduled events, get your tickets early in case the event is sold out. Tickets are available at online.

Cheers! Kathy