Skip to main content
HomeROC the Scene
25th_anniversary_11_x_3_in_revised.png

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable three-day wine extravaganza with Women For WineSense Rochester from October 25th - 27th, 2024 as the chapter celebrates its 25th anniversary! 

Details for all three days of the event are detailed below. Click on the accordions for the particulars. Then click here to register for the event: ROC The Scene


Friday, October 25, 2024
Welcome Reception | 5 PM - 8 PM


Join us for our official 25th anniversary kick-off reception on Friday, October 25th at Max of Eastman Place, 25 Gibbs St. We will be hosting wineries, breweries, and other local craft beverage producers for a walk-around tasting event that will delight your palate. Enjoy charcuterie from the master herself, Julia K. as well as cooking demonstrations from both Julia K and Rosita Cardi-Miller. Say hello, taste what the region has to offer, and grab your swag bag.


Saturday, October 26, 2024
Seminars/Lunch | 9 AM - 5 PM


Continuing our 25th anniversary celebrations, Saturday begins with two captivating seminars from renowned industry professionals, offering insights and stories from the beverage world that will intrigue both novices and connoisseurs alike. After a morning filled with discovery, join us for a leisurely lunch, followed by an afternoon of two mind-opening seminars. The first, a Riedel seminar that promises to transform the way you experience wine. The second afternoon seminar features prominent women in the local wine scene sharing their stories, insights, and challenges of their journey into the industry.

Click on each accordion to learn more of the exciting things we have planned.

Accordion Widget
Educations Sessions | 9 - 11:30 AM and 2 - 5 PM
Educations Sessions | 9 - 11:30 AM and 2 - 5 PM


Each person will attend four exceptional seminars on Saturday, October 26th. All of our Educational Sessions will be held at Event 180, 180 St Paul St.



Deductive Wine Tasting 9 to 10:30 AM


Get your senses ready for an immersive experience where you'll learn the art of analyzing wine like a pro. Led by Mollie Battenhouse, Master of Wine, this hands-on seminar will teach you the systematic approach to identify grape varieties, regions, vintages, and winemaking techniques. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine enthusiast, elevate your wine knowledge and tasting skills with us during this exclusive seminar.


Deductive wine tasting requires practice, experience, and knowledge of wine regions, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques. It's often used in wine education programs and certification exams, such as those offered by organizations like the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

Speaker: Mollie Battenhouse, Master of Wine, WSET Instructor and Partner at Preferabli by Wine Ring



Fee Brothers - Pre, During and Post Prohibition 10:45 to 11:30 AM


Quenching thirst for 160 years! Fee Brothers makes fine bitters, botanical waters, mixes, brines, and cordial syrups for global distribution. Fee Brothers has been family-owned and operated since its founding in 1864 and are one of the few businesses that have survived to see a 5th generation take the helm. 


Jon will take us on a hands-on journey through the history of Fee Brothers and allow us to taste the difference that a shake of Fees can do to elevate our cocktails. We will be tasting some of the unique bitters that Fees produces that will allow even the most novice at home mixologist to create beautifully balanced drinks.  


We are very excited to partner with Fee Brothers for this exclusive seminar highlighting a true gem of Rochester. Remember, “Don’t Squeeze, Use Fees!”

Speaker: Jon Spacher, 5th generation co-owner of Fee Brothers



Riedel Wine Tasting 2 to 3:30 PM


Does the glass REALLY matter? We have all heard it, and some of us have probably said it! Well, let’s find out! Our very own Lorraine Hems, founding member of our chapter, will be guiding us through a Riedel experience like no other! Each guest will receive a 4-piece set of Riedel Performance glassware to use as Lorraine guides us through the importance of glassware. We will be able to see and taste the difference and answer that age old question – YES, the glass really does matter! The Riedel Performance Wine Tasting is an experience designed by Riedel; a renowned Austrian glassware manufacturer known for producing wine glasses that are specifically crafted to enhance the sensory experience of wine tasting. The Riedel Performance series is one of their premium lines, featuring glasses tailored to different grape varietals and wine styles. And as we know that most people really hate having only one of a series of glassware, we can offer you the opportunity to purchase additional sets of glasses for $100 each. The suggested retail price is $175 so be sure to let us know if you would like to take advantage of this direct-to-consumer opportunity.

Speaker: Lorraine Hems, Senior Lecturer of beverage and food courses in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology, CWE and CSS with the Society of Wine Educators, CS with the Court of Master Sommeliers, and the WSET Level 3 Certification, Certified Wine Judge with Merit with the American Wine Society



Rochester Women in Wine Panel Discussion 3:45 to 5 PM


We would never say that we saved the best for last, but we will say that this is going to be a special one! We have gathered women from various sectors of the wine industry to share their expertise, insights, and perspectives on their experiences in the wine world both locally and beyond. This seminar will be educational, Inspirational, and empowering for both wine enthusiasts and industry professionals. This culminating seminar will promote and exemplify diversity, inclusivity, and gender equality within the wine industry. Working together we can ensure a place for everyone.

Wine Panelists: Maureen Bayer, Opici Wine Company; Colleen Hardy, co-founder Living Roots Wine & Co; Kyle Pallischeck, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance; Megan Krebbeks, Senior Director Assistant General Counsel - Advertising, Marketing, Promotions & Trade Practices, Constellation Brands; Sue Reuter, owner Flight Wine Bar (Downtown)


 
Accordion Widget
Lunch | 12 - 2 PM
Lunch | 12 - 2 PM

We will attend a three-course lunch at Tapas 177 between our morning and afternoon Educational Sessions. A great time for networking and social interactions.


Sunday, October 27, 2024
Winery/Vineyard Experiences


The adventure continues into Sunday, with visits to local wineries for tastings and tours, allowing you to savor the unique profiles of the Rochester region's finest wines. Each tasting is an opportunity to connect with the vintners, learn about their craft, and perhaps discover your new favorite wine.

Click on each accordion to learn more of the exciting things we have planned.

The first 30 registrants will receive the opportunity to attend an exclusive disgorging and tasting event hosted at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Hammondsport. Date TBD

Accordion Widget
Wineries | 9:30-10:45 AM and 11 AM to 12:15 PM
Wineries | 9:30-10:45 AM and 11 AM to 12:15 PM

Join us on Sunday, October 27th for a day of winery tours and tastings. We will visit two local wineries, Casa Larga Vineyards and Living Roots Wine & Co's Rochester tasting room.



Living Roots Wine Tour and Tasting


Rochester’s only urban winery was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Sebastian [a sixth-generation winemaker from Adelaide, South Australia] and Colleen [a Rochester, NY native] Hardy. Living Roots sources grapes from several growers, including Colleen’s family in the Finger Lakes and Sebastian’s family in Australia. This combination allows them to focus on rich whites and sparkling wines from the Finger Lakes and vibrant reds from South Australia. Join us for a tour and tasting of Rochester’s only Urban Winery. We can’t wait to showcase this unique winery!



Casa Larga Vineyards Tour and Tasting


Rochester’s first winery, Casa Larga Vineyards, is a renowned winery located in Fairport, New York. Offering a scenic setting and a diverse selection of wines, Casa Larga Vineyards provides visitors with an excellent opportunity for wine tours and tastings. Your experience will begin with a historical, guided tour of the vineyard, where you'll learn about the grape-growing process, the vineyard's history, and the unique terroir of the area. Following the tour you will have an in-depth tasting where you will be able to taste the terroir, history and love that goes into every bottle of Casa Larga wine.


 
Accordion Widget
Early Registration Event Add-On | 2 - 4 PM
Early Registration Event Add-On | 2 - 4 PM

Dr Franks Exclusive Disgorgement Event 2-4 pm


The first 30 registrants will receive the opportunity to attend this exclusive disgorging and tasting event hosted at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Hammondsport. We will learn all about the méthode champenoise (aka traditional method sparkling wine) as we go into the depths of the cellar for an exciting opportunity to disgorge our own bottles of traditional method sparkling wine. A tour and tasting through many of Dr Frank's wines will round out our experience. Be sure to register quickly to ensure your spot at this unique event. We will contact eligible attendees regarding this event once registration closes.



 

Event Add-On

We have an additional special add-on event to extend our weekend celebration. There is no cost to attend but we ask you to register so we can determine attendance.

Friday Special Add-on Event: Brew with the Brewmaster   12-4 PM


Learn from Naked Dove owner and head brewer Dave Schlosser during this special hands-on event. Dave will walk us through the process of brewing one of his locally favored beers. Learn what it takes to make the mash, inoculating and fermenting, racking and packaging. Join us for this special add-on event at Naked Dove Brewing Company (4048 State Route 5 &, US-20, Canandaigua) to guide you to becoming a brewmaster yourself. Snacks will be provided and each person in attendance will go home with a six-pack of Naked Dove beer.


Sponsorship

Position your brand alongside a reputable organization that emphasizes education. Collaborate with Women For WineSense for targeted and meaningful engagement.


Learn more about sponsorship opportunities for our event:
ROC The Scene Sponsorship Opportunities 


Accordion Widget
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Opportunities

ROC The Scene Sponsorship Levels


Title Sponsor $1,000

1 sponsor needed

The Title Sponsor will be named as the collaborator for the event in the title, logo on all signs and programs, feature in our quarterly newsletter with over 600 subscribers, two mentions on all our chapter social media outlets, with over 1500 followers, as well as within the promotional posts, listed in the top spot of the event sponsor list on the website, marketing material in the swag bag, and 2 complimentary event passes


Catering Sponsor $500

2 sponsors needed - 1 sponsor spot left

Catering Sponsors receive logo on the program, mention in our quarterly newsletter with over 600 subscribers, mention on all our chapter social media outlets, with over 1500 followers. listed in secondary spots of the event sponsor list on the website & email, marketing material in the swag bag, and 1 complimentary event pass


Wine Sponsor $300

2 sponsors needed - SOLD OUT

Catering Sponsors receive logo on the program, mention in our quarterly newsletter with over 600 subscribers, mention on all our chapter social media outlets, with over 1500 followers. listed on the event sponsor list in third tier spot on the website & email, marketing material in the swag bag, and 1 complimentary event pass


Print Sponsor $200

2 sponsors needed - SOLD OUT

The Print Sponsor receive logo on the three sets of tasting sheets, mention in our quarterly newsletter with over 600 subscribers, mention on all our chapter social media outlets, with over 1500 followers, listed on the event sponsor list on the website, and marketing material in the swag bag


Bag Sponsor $200

1 sponsor needed - SOLD OUT

The Bag Sponsor receive logo printed on one side of the swag bag, mention in our quarterly newsletter with over 600 subscribers, mention on all our chapter social media outlets, with over 1500 followers, listed on the event sponsor list on the website, and marketing material in the swag bag


Water Bottle Sponsor $200

1 sponsor needed - SOLD OUT

The Water Bottle Sponsor receive logo printed on water bottle, mention in our quarterly newsletter with over 600 subscribers, mention on all our chapter social media outlets, with over 1500 followers, listed on the event sponsor list on the website, and marketing material in the swag bag


Basic Sponsor $50

Unlimited Spots Available

Here is your chance to get your company onto the sponsorship list on the website, be featured on social media and be able to add to the swag bag without a large monetary contribution!

 




 
Accordion Widget
Event Sponsors
Event Sponsors

ROC The Scene Sponsors


Thank you to the following Event Sponsors:



CATERING SPONSORS



WINE SPONSORS



PRINT SPONSORS



BAG SPONSOR




WATER BOTTLE SPONSOR