The Fifth Annual Summit Wine and Food Festival turned out to be quite a memorable weekend indeed. Wine and food tastings, meals and seminars on par with any of the other major culinary festivals in the country and the festive atmosphere of so many of our friends and neighbors simply enjoying themselves was nothing less than awe-inspiring. When one considers the caliber of the chefs, sommeliers, speakers and presenters who graciously accepted the invitation to participate, the attendance of over 1,400 "foodies" should come as no surprise.

The Friday Night Gala Dinner was an auspicious prelude for the incredible weekend that would follow. This epic six-course dinner was truly nothing short of spectacular. Both the Friday Gala Tasting at the Grand Summit Hotel and Saturday night's Gala Tasting at the Twin Maples Mansion the following evening were quite something to behold: outstanding wines being poured while many of the culinary world's best chefs prepared their signature dishes for all to sample and savor. Arguably the festival's signature event, Sunday's "Sommelier Showdown" was once again a deliciously entertaining and educational competition accompanied by a sensational three-course luncheon.

Among the festival's many other highlights, the Spiegelau Crystal's craft beer tasting demonstrated the impact that the correct glassware has on various beer styles and how it enhances its enjoyment. Attendees also received a complimentary set of Spiegelau beer tasting glasses valued at more than the ticket price! A Cheese and Dessert Wine tasting was very well received and proved to be a decadently delicious treat for all. The bold flavors of Indian spices were at the forefront at a culinary presentation on Indian food and how to best pair this exotic cuisine with wines.

Wine lovers were certainly not left out, as a diverse and knowledgeable array of winemakers, industry insiders and wine educators delivered a series of outstanding tastings and seminars on a broad range of topics. Among the highlights was a tasting of "single-grower" Champagnes that exposed attendees to an entire new dimension of bubbly beyond the big commercial producers that dominate the market. Bordeaux fans were treated to an extensive presentation of that fabled region's appellations and wines by the venerable Bordelaise firm of Barton et Gustier. Two of Italy's legendary wine-producing regions, Piemonte and Tuscany, were each the topic of tasting seminars focusing on each region's native wine-grape varietals and the many diverse types of wines produced from them. The festival ended on an unbelievably high note with a VIP invite-only tasting announcing the Metropolitan New York market's launch of Boerl & Kroff, the world's most expensive Champagne.

I hope to see you all at the 2014 Summit Wine and Food Festival!