Dan's Papers - March 7, 2008 - When In Manhattan

What could be better in the cold, ugly days of early March than sitting down with a nice glass of wine? Going to an entire convention center filled with it.

Governor Spitzer may be trying to sell off the Jacob Javits Center's expansion plot for $900 million dollars, but until that happens the convention center will be going strong and this weekend it will be the home of the first annual New York Wine Expo. When you enter the Grand Tasting you'll be spinning before you take your first sip. Over 150 wine producers are on hand to offer you samples of over 600 wines. Broken up into countries and regions, traveling through the Special Events Hall will be like an around the world tour of some of the finest wines available. Not only is this a great chance to sample some wines you've never had access to before, it's an opportunity to meet representatives from your favorite and local vineyards. East End wineries like Bedell, Clovis Point, Macari, Palmer, and Wölffer will be on hand.

If you think there's more to wine than getting that warm fuzzy feeling, you're right. And there's more to this expo than just drinking wine. The Winemakers Meet & Greet is your chance to spend a little quality time with the men and women who create your favorite wines. Curious about tannins or sulfites, or the best way to store specific wines? This is your shot to pull up a chair and ask a few questions (okay, so maybe you'll only be able to ask one question). If you're an aficionado and have been dying to know about a specific vineyard's portfolio, this may be your only chance to find out the details straight from the producers without having to travel to the vineyard.

Are you a newcomer to the world of vino? That's okay too. For an additional cost of about $30, you can attend 60-90 minute in-depth seminars led by industry leaders. On Friday check out a lecture on Zinfandels. Get the dish on Cotes du Rhone and the origin of Syrah (or Shiraz) and learn about the Rhone Valley, a place that has been producing wine since before Jesus could turn water into it. Looking to learn more about Malbecs? Well, Gloria Marot-Frazee, Director of Education for Wine Spectator, will take you deep into the intricacies of one of the great gems of Argentina.

Saturday presents a great opportunity for anyone looking to get his or her feet (and throat) wet. The "Outsmarting Wine 101" seminar with Mark Oldman will walk you through the lighter side of wine. He's not going to pile industry jargon up to the ceiling, but rather introduce you to wine tasting techniques, buying strategies and how to order wine in a restaurant. In other words, remove the mystery and mystique, allowing the average person to enjoy wine.

Aside from the wine and the wine experts, the expo offers complementary exhibitors. Just think, "What goes with wine?" and that's what you'll find: cheese producers, crackers, fine restaurants and air travel - more of the good life. Maybe after you've learned a thing or two you'll be ready to sign up for Wine Enthusiast or Wine Spectator.

Since this is a wine event, children are not allowed so leave the stroller at home (unless you think your husband will need it by the end) and bring ID because no one under 21 will be permitted inside. As for what to wear, just because Barefoot Vineyards is going to be there, it doesn't mean you can show up in flip-flops - the organizers suggest business casual attire.

Sip some fine wines and imagine yourself relaxing in the backyard of your summer home in mid-July. Oh, I forgot, you even get a free collectors glass to take home with you for when the weather actually does call for a glass of vino on the veranda.

The 1st Annual New York Wine Expo takes place March 7-8th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 West 34th Street. Fri.7-10 p.m., Sat. 2-6 p.m. Tickets cost $85 for Friday and $95 for Saturday.