Tickets to take friends to SPAC's Wine, Food & Ferrari Fest Grand Tasting
The drawing has been closed! Thanks for entering!
The Saratoga Wine & Food and Fall Ferrari Festival returns to SPAC September 7-9. One of the highlights of the weekend is the "grand tasting" on Saturday, September 8, billed as "the crown-jewel" of the festival:
200 international wineries including an unparalleled Italian Pavilion that features a myriad of wines, spirits, and authentic products; the region's top restaurants; world-class seminars and a live and silent auction of luxury items. A day dedicate to the epicurean in all of us; a celebration of all things fine.
AOA has 5 four-packs of tickets for the grand tasting, and we're giving them away. Yep, the winners get to take three friends along. To enter, please answer this question in the comments:
What are you looking forward to doing, eating, experiencing in the Capital Region this fall?
We'll draw 5 winners at random from the entered comments.
Tickets for the grand tasting are $75 each, so this is a sweet prize. The tasting is Saturday, September 8 from 1-5 pm on the SPAC grounds. And heads-up, you and your guests need to be over 21.
There are a bunch of other events involved in the festival -- including an after party, a road rally and a Ferrari show.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, August 31 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by noon on Saturday and must respond by 10 am Tuesday, September 4.
Yep, the Saratoga Wine & Food Fesitval does advertise on AOA.
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Comments
It's fall - that's easy! I lived for a few years in the South and I missed nothing more than I missed autumn & all it's activities, smells and wonderful foods!
The thing I'm looking forward to most is probably eating apple cider donuts while drinking fresh apple cider. I'm also looking forward to carving pumpkins, going on Haunted Hay rides, going for walks in the cool fall nights and seeing the beautiful colors around us.
Can you tell I missed NY? :)
... said Rachel on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:07 PM | link
I'm looking forward to going to the Grand Tasting, of course, after I win these tickets!
(but not if I don't win cuz a 1 year old sucks all the extra cash out of my wallet)
... said Slacker on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:08 PM | link
When I think of Fall, I think of apples. Can't wait to go apple picking and coming home and making my fabulous apple crisp, topped with Stewart's vanilla icecream!! YUM YUM!!!
... said Amy Gerling "thetravelgerl" on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:08 PM | link
cider donuts
... said Tom on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:08 PM | link
I always look forward to Lark Fest, and I want to go to Pearlpalooza too! And the Fall is the perfect time to enjoy some after work drinks on Lark Street, perhaps before hitting Albany Civic or Confetti Stage for some stellar theater.
... said Jenn Bullington on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:10 PM | link
I am looking forward to the return of cider donuts.
... said ned on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:11 PM | link
I'm looking forward to the Capital Region Apple and Wine Festival at the Altamont Fairgrounds, apple picking locally (probably at Bowman's this year), brewing hard cider and canning!
... said Kat on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:15 PM | link
What are you looking forward to doing, eating, experiencing in the Capital Region this fall?
Really looking forward to apple picking (and cider donuts!)
Also, Autumn is my favorite time of the year to go backpack camping in this area :)
... said JohnnyC on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:18 PM | link
apple picking!!!
... said Lisa on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:19 PM | link
This is such an easy question because I have so many things that I want to do. I am really looking forward to apple picking season, and for weather that allows me to wear long sleeves. I also want to go to New World Bistro for brunch because I have yet to go and I hear it is spectacular.
... said katie on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:19 PM | link
We already have our tickets for FrightFest at the Great Escape
... said Rich R on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:20 PM | link
being able to order scotch in public without raising more eyebrows than usual (apparently some people don't find it to be a summery drink...i find it to be an all year beverage)
... said colleen on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:20 PM | link
My favorite Fall activity in the Capital Region is picking apples at Saratoga Apple! There is also the Haunted Cornmaze Liberty Ridge and the Haunted Hayride at Double M!
... said Lori on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:21 PM | link
Fall is my favorite time of year- so it goes without saying, apple picking at Indian Ladder Farms. I'm also looking forward to doing a few hikes in the Adirondacks when the leaves start turning.
... said Sarah on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:21 PM | link
Looking forward to going to see How To Train Your Dragon at the Times Union Center in October
... said Michelle on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:22 PM | link
Looking forward to crispy fresh mutsu apples for pie and donuts from Golden Harvest.
... said Sarah on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:22 PM | link
I'm looking forward to fall golf, apples and pumpkin EVERYTHING!
... said Brian on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:26 PM | link
Honey Crisp apples. Every day!
... said Robyn on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:26 PM | link
Most looking forward to: picking apples, eating cider donuts and running through piles of leaves with my kids this fall!
... said julie on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:28 PM | link
Looking forward to trying local restaurants we haven't yet been to, Druther's, City Beer Hall, Wine Bar and Bistro, and many others.
... said MC on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:28 PM | link
I'm really looking forward to the Adirondack Balloon Festival this year! I also love going to Lark Fest!
... said Susan D on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:30 PM | link
I'm looking forward to go apple picking, setting off fireworks and my birthday in a couple months. I am not actually a 5 year old.
... said Collin Thomas on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:30 PM | link
I'm surprised to find myself saying I can't wait to play the role of "soccer mom" and enjoy my five-year-old's soccer games Saturday mornings at the Commons under the warm Fall sun.
... said Sue on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:31 PM | link
I'm looking forward to planning a tasting menu at Yono's this fall - especially with some of their new fall cocktails! Love their cocktail maker down there. He's a genius!
... said Lola on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:33 PM | link
I want to go check out that ice cream sandwich at the City Beer Hall! It sounds like Fall in dessert form!
... said Jessica R on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:34 PM | link
I'm looking forward to watching soccer at the Biergarten on weekend mornings, picking apples and enjoying nighttime walks in crisp fall air.
... said Patrick on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:40 PM | link
Fall is my favorite season, so I always look forward to apple picking at Bowmans, cider donuts at Lakeside Farm, Double M Hayride, pumpkin ales and coffees. We always take a drive around various parts of the capital region to see the foliage, too.
... said KristinS on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:41 PM | link
Definitely going for a hike to Sleeping Beauty mountain, looking over lake George and eating honey crisp apples with honey. Corn mazes, too.
... said Roman on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:49 PM | link
Snapping pictures of the fall foliage and drinking hot gluwein
... said Inna on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:51 PM | link
Drinking pumpkin ale and other fall seasonal beers
... said Tammie on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:56 PM | link
Despite the shortage and bad season, I will be out there apple picking in the fall and patronizing my fav farm, Indian Ladder. Also, cider donuts!
... said Cassie on Aug 30, 2012 at 2:59 PM | link
Looking forward to taking our new twin boys on their first apple orchard adventure (excuse for cider donuts at Lakeside Farms).
... said Chris on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:01 PM | link
Apple picking & eating cider donuts every day!!!
... said Derek Mahlitz on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:03 PM | link
I always look foreword to taking advantage of the orchards around the capital region. There is always lots of apple baking going on in our house!
... said Evan on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:06 PM | link
Hiking in the Dacks!
... said Greg on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:12 PM | link
I'm looking forward to cider donuts and corn mazes...
... said Marc on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:17 PM | link
I'm looking forward to the Troy Farmer's Market at the beginning of fall (when absolutely everything is coming in and it's still outside), the final push of canning and putting stuff up and then the change in my cooking that fall brings. Of course apple picking, and sleeping with the windows open, and then my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving!
... said Jenna C. on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:19 PM | link
I'm pumped to hike and pick apples, can't wait to eat our region's famous cider donuts...and overall experience another beautiful fall upstate. We have some of the best foliage around :)
... said Melissa on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:22 PM | link
I am looking forward to apple picking, country drives, cider donuts, crisp nights, and octoberfest !
... said Jessica on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:23 PM | link
Pssh Ferrari-shaped cider donuts
... said -S on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:24 PM | link
As many oktoberfest beers as I can get my hands on.
... said Chris on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:24 PM | link
Apple picking!
... said Alexandra on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:25 PM | link
I'm looking forward to all the great music at PearlPalooza and Oktoberfest at Wolf's Biergarten. Larkfest, not so much.
... said Spencer on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:30 PM | link
Canoeing on Rensselaer County lakes, gliding over the reflected colors of the season.
... said Joe on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:30 PM | link
Taking a hike out to Ommegang and enjoy a fresh brew while in the beautiful rolling hills of Cooperstown!
... said JP on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:33 PM | link
Walking the Indian Ladder trail at Thatcher park. Beautiful!
... said nic on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:34 PM | link
Haunted hayrides at the Rock City Falls firehouse ... and the fireman-made cider donuts that go with it
... said Elle on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:39 PM | link
I'm looking forward to apple cider donuts and the foliage! I love fall and so do my dogs.
... said emily on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:48 PM | link
Doing a hike and driving to Grafton Lakes.
... said sst on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:48 PM | link
Carving pumpkins and baking.
... said Sara E. on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:49 PM | link
Can't wait to try the Fall tasting menu's at all the restaurants that feature local ingredients... Yono's, Wine Bar & Bistro on Lark, New World Bistro etc... yum!
... said Natasha on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:51 PM | link
Jumping in a big, fat, pile of leaves with a Blue Moon Pumpkin ale in hand :D
... said Laura on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:52 PM | link
Eating: Cider donuts from Golden Harvest in Valatie. There are none finer.
Doing: Huddling around the fire pit as the nights get cooler. :)
... said jka on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:58 PM | link
Im looking forward to apple picking,pumpkin beer eating apple crisp and experiencing Wolf's Oktoberfest!!
... said Tyler W on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:58 PM | link
One word: Larkfest!
... said Colton on Aug 30, 2012 at 3:58 PM | link
Pumpkin beers, soups made with all of the herbs I froze this summer, and perfect running weather.
... said Patrick on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:01 PM | link
I'm looking forward to taking the bike out for a long leaf-peeping ride through the countryside.
... said capgirl on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:02 PM | link
Apple picking!
... said Drew on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:07 PM | link
I love the fall! Can't wait to put on my new boots and spend weekends apple picking, hiking, and eating delicious autumn themed foods and beverages.
... said Kate on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:15 PM | link
Even though it sounds like it won't be the best year, I'm looking forward to apple picking!
... said Lauren Hittinger on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:15 PM | link
trips eastward (to n.adams, Lenox, VT) to enjoy new england culture and the gooooorgeous foliage.
AND crunching over every leaf on the walk up the approach to RPI in Troy :D
... said missy on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:16 PM | link
I am looking forward to apple picking, the smell of leaves, and the return of cider doughnuts!
... said Alison on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:16 PM | link
Oktoberfest, cider donuts, pumpkin pie and Halloween!
... said Scott on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:33 PM | link
Korean tacos at Mingle
... said Elyse on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:36 PM | link
cider donuts
... said susan on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:48 PM | link
Oh man I cannot wait until the Saratoga Wind and Food Festival! That was the greatest meal of my life last year. There is no way I am missing it this year.
... said Dan R on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:52 PM | link
I am looking forward to football, and the slow-cooked meals that go along with it.
... said lee on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:55 PM | link
There are a few experiences I'm looking forward to. First, there's an Apple & Wine Festival in Altamont. Last year was our first year going, and it was a blast! Cider donuts, apple cider, and a basket of apples for the picking!
Then there are the pumpkins! Everything pumpkin starts to appear, from pastries to lattes, and you'll start finding them at the local farmer's markets.
And I think Fall is the perfect time to break out the mulled wine from Adair Vineyards. A nice crisp night, with a nice warm, sweet, toasty wine. Add the hot tub, and it's just the perfect way to spend a Fall evening *grins*
... said Josie on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:55 PM | link
Fresh apple cider donuts
... said Becca on Aug 30, 2012 at 4:57 PM | link
Pumpkin pie!
... said Christopher on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:01 PM | link
Fall menu at New World Bistro
... said ben on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:03 PM | link
I'll be riding my motorcycle to check out the autumn leaves
... said Chris on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:06 PM | link
Apple picking
... said Bonnie on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:07 PM | link
I can't wait for cool weather runs at the Crossings of Colonie!
... said Christina on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:32 PM | link
So excited for my favorite season.. So many things! Apple picking, cider donuts, the awesome corn maze at Liberty Ridge Farm, hikes, Pumking ale, pumpkin lattes, enjoying the foliage, and of course all of the halloween festivities. Can't wait!!!
... said LinZ on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:34 PM | link
Cheeeeeese from the Washington County Cheese Tour, which happens to be on the same weekend. Wine and cheese, what could be better? Oh yeah - free wine at SPAC!
... said Tim on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:36 PM | link
You can find me by a fireplace at the Wine Bar on Lark Street.
... said E. on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:38 PM | link
I would love to win these as I don't only love WINE but best of all it is GLUTEN free so I can drink as much as I want unlike Beer. Beer I have such limited choices and the taste is not there!
I am excited to be outdoors since FALL not only my favorite season, it is the best time of the year to enjoy the capital region and this wonderful events like these.
Plus it is right in my back yard!
... said Tonya on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:48 PM | link
I'm running my first marathon (Mohawk/Hudson) in early October - but that's waaaay off yet - right?
... said the_exile on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:51 PM | link
Cider Donuts!
... said Jess on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:51 PM | link
Making a boss Jack O'Lantern.
... said Cheese on Aug 30, 2012 at 5:53 PM | link
I'm looking forward to baking some apple pies!
... said Amandasue on Aug 30, 2012 at 6:02 PM | link
I never tire of cider donuts
... said julie on Aug 30, 2012 at 6:12 PM | link
Riding my motorcycle in the crisp fall weather; leaves changing and the smell of woodsmoke in the air...
... said Neil on Aug 30, 2012 at 6:16 PM | link
I was hoping that they were giving away a Ferrari, or a ride in one... I guess my plan to befriend Alain Kalyeros will have to continue.
I am looking forward to:
doing - riding my vespa around the greater capital region as the leaves change, and maybe getting some sweet photos
eating - delicious apples and/or meals with friends as we enjoy the change in seasons, with wonderful wine
experiencing - another fantastic fall, with crisp, cool, dry days, and wonderfully chilly evenings. Just a hint of winter in the air, and clear air to see the moon and stars by.
Or you know, a ride in a Ferrari. :)
... said Andy on Aug 30, 2012 at 6:39 PM | link
I'm looking forward to a hike in the Adirondacks with a group of friends, and returning home to a selection of cheeses by Gustav from Honest Weight food coop, paired with New York State wines.
... said Kate Fleming on Aug 30, 2012 at 7:01 PM | link
Going to y family Halloween party
... said Andrew h on Aug 30, 2012 at 7:09 PM | link
Enjoy being back in school when the library is cozy and inviting and it's beautiful to look out the windows and take study break walks around campus.
... said Lacgen on Aug 30, 2012 at 7:10 PM | link
Octoberfest at hunter mountain
... said Jennie on Aug 30, 2012 at 7:18 PM | link
i look forward to watching the leaves change.
... said Kobe on Aug 30, 2012 at 7:26 PM | link
Hiking in the Adirondacks, making hard cider and slow cooking on my woodstove.
... said Kate H on Aug 30, 2012 at 7:45 PM | link
Fall seasonal woodchuck hard cider
... said Dima on Aug 30, 2012 at 9:03 PM | link
Locally made sausage, local apples, and local winter squash with local maple syrup (do I detect a theme?)!
... said Mike Jones on Aug 30, 2012 at 9:46 PM | link
Climbing Mount Olga in Vermont on a day when all the leaves are in color and seeing them from the fire tower there.
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Aug 30, 2012 at 10:24 PM | link
Seeing American Halloween for the first time!
... said Katya on Aug 30, 2012 at 10:25 PM | link
I'm looking forward to the Albany Comic Con
... said Jason Deitcher on Aug 30, 2012 at 10:56 PM | link
Cider donuts and pumpkin beer
... said AJJ on Aug 30, 2012 at 11:52 PM | link
Hot cider!
... said Jackie on Aug 31, 2012 at 7:02 AM | link
Fresh honey crisp apples! I hope they survived the bad growing season...
... said Snickel on Aug 31, 2012 at 8:40 AM | link
The Hairy Gorrilla Half Marathon held in Thacher State Park! Ranked the best themed half marathon by Trail Running Magazine!
... said Megan on Aug 31, 2012 at 8:43 AM | link
Cider donuts and Brown's Octoberfest
... said Ari on Aug 31, 2012 at 8:46 AM | link
Beer Brunch at the City Beer Hall
... said KP on Aug 31, 2012 at 8:47 AM | link
This fall i'm looking forward to apple picking, cider donuts, Oktoberfest's and my birthday! Wink wink.
... said Brendan B on Aug 31, 2012 at 8:56 AM | link
Thanksgiving
... said Donna on Aug 31, 2012 at 9:18 AM | link
Balloon Festival (Glens Falls)
... said Guy on Aug 31, 2012 at 9:20 AM | link
Garlic Fest this weekend in Bennington
... said Michael G on Aug 31, 2012 at 9:40 AM | link
mmm Turkey and stuffing
... said Jeff on Aug 31, 2012 at 9:51 AM | link
Eating fresh, local honeycrisp apples :)
... said Cindy on Aug 31, 2012 at 10:46 AM | link
A hot cup of tea while seated in an Adirondack chair watching the sunrise light up the changing leaves.
... said Tom R on Aug 31, 2012 at 10:55 AM | link
I can't wait to go to the Adirondack National Car Show in Lake George NY!
... said Eric D on Aug 31, 2012 at 11:01 AM | link
Watching college football on Saturdays with a pizza and wings from Inferno Pizza.
... said Ralph on Aug 31, 2012 at 11:05 AM | link
I love going Apple Picking at Fo Castle Farms and I love to have lunch and hot Apple-Cider donuts at LakeSide Farms!
... said William D on Aug 31, 2012 at 11:08 AM | link
I could go for the low-hanging fruit here and say I am really looking forward to going to SPAC's Wine, Food & Ferrari Fest Grand Tasting. OK now that we have that out of the way, I must admit this question brings to a head the internal turmoil between my inner child and adult sensibilities. As a big kid, there are two words that sum up fall in the Capital Region for me - Fright Fest. OK, I said it, but come on - costumes, relatively short lines and fall foliage views from The Sasquatch - what more could you ask for. Of course for a different fall experience I like to visit the Saratoga National Battlefield where the crisp air and ruddy colors of fall mix with hallowed ground and the wellspring of American history to feed a uniquely contemplative experience.
... said Larry on Aug 31, 2012 at 11:16 AM | link
Everything! I can;t wait to try it all!
... said Nicole on Aug 31, 2012 at 12:18 PM | link
Cider Donuts and Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!
... said jessica on Aug 31, 2012 at 12:49 PM | link
I can't wait to go hiking through the hills
... said Rob P on Aug 31, 2012 at 12:59 PM | link
Pearl Palooza!
... said Amy on Aug 31, 2012 at 1:04 PM | link
I'm looking forward to: Indian Ladder hiking - hearing the leaves crunch under my feet and taking in the scent of the crispy, fresh air; My mom's apple crisp recipe made with local Crispins; And, sleeping with the windows open just a bit, snuggled under warm blankets with my honey.
... said Dora on Aug 31, 2012 at 3:10 PM | link
I love to go to SUNY Albany Football Games and I love the Apple Festival in Altamont NY
... said sue3454 on Aug 31, 2012 at 3:41 PM | link
I'm looking forward to going on a Fall Foilage Cruise on Lake George! I also never miss Lark Fest!
... said Chris B on Aug 31, 2012 at 3:45 PM | link
It's not original, but I do love me some cider donuts.
... said Elise on Aug 31, 2012 at 4:18 PM | link
I am most looking forward to apple picking and playing in the leaves this fall season. I am looking forward to hiking and watching the leaves turn lovely colors.
... said Kimberly on Aug 31, 2012 at 4:21 PM | link
I'm looking forward to a restaurant opening up in the Capital Region that features food not served up here before; something to shake up the regions palates.
... said RB on Aug 31, 2012 at 4:27 PM | link
I'm not the first to say this, but I'd have to go with apple cider donuts!
... said Cara on Aug 31, 2012 at 4:40 PM | link
I look forward to finally trying the Beekman Street Bistro around the corner!
... said Francesca on Aug 31, 2012 at 4:45 PM | link
Having a homebirth, eating homemade grape jam from our summer harvest and Fall hiking!
... said Christy on Aug 31, 2012 at 5:16 PM | link
pumpkin spice coffee and crisp mornings
... said Becky on Aug 31, 2012 at 5:17 PM | link
I was thrilled when i won tickets to this event!
Oh, the hoi-piloi, fashion, cars, FOOD!
Oh, oh the heat, humidity, rain, wind,THE TORNADO WATCH!
We cancelled our trip, BUMMER!
Wonder how the event was?
... said mg on Sep 28, 2012 at 2:18 AM | link