Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Returns to Manhattan with Rare Tastings, Masterclasses, and a Century of Rioja
This weekend, New York’s fine wine scene reaches new heights—literally and figuratively—as Decanter Fine Wine Encounter returns for its fourth edition on Saturday, June 7, 2025, hosted at the panoramic Manhattan in Lower Manhattan. Following sold-out successes in London and Singapore, the prestigious event lands stateside with a rare mix of tasting exclusives, expert-led masterclasses, and direct access to some of the world’s most storied wineries—all in one of the city’s most elevated settings.
With sweeping skyline views as a backdrop, the Encounter invites wine aficionados and industry professionals to engage in what has become one of the year’s most anticipated wine gatherings.
The Grand Tasting: An Immersive Six-Hour Journey
At the core of the event is the Grand Tasting, a six-hour celebration that unites producers and collectors in a shared pursuit of excellence. Attendees will sample wines from iconic estates spanning France, Italy, Spain, the U.S., and beyond, with each winery presenting a standout bottle—often a rare vintage or large-format pour—reserved especially for the occasion.
Adding to the allure is a curated DWWA Winners Table, showcasing award-winning Gold, Platinum, and Best in Show selections from the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards, the largest wine competition in the world.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to taste world-class wines and connect with the producers who craft them. The energy and enthusiasm we see here each year is a testament to the growing appetite for fine wine in the US.”
Clive Pursehouse, Decanter US Editor
A Century of Rioja: A Landmark Tasting
Debuting this year is the Rioja Bar Experience, a guided deep dive into Spain’s most esteemed winemaking region. Guests will taste their way through 25 exceptional Rioja wines spanning 100 years, including legendary classics and ultra-rare bottlings, offering a rare opportunity to explore the evolution and artistry of Rioja’s finest producers.
This experience, available at the start of the Grand Tasting, is expected to be one of the day’s most talked-about moments.
Masterclasses with Legendary Labels
Beyond the tasting floor, Decanter’s Encounter is renowned for its bucket-list masterclasses, and this year’s lineup is no exception:
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Vertical
A 30-year retrospective culminating in the first public pour of the 2018 vintage, this session is a deep dive into one of Champagne’s most revered labels.
Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Vertical
Featuring the iconic 1975 Riserva, this masterclass showcases the historic Tuscan estate’s benchmark vintages.
Rioja Reimagined
A session that bridges tradition and innovation, this tasting brings together legacy producers and modern trailblazers to examine what’s next for the region.
“What makes this event so special is the rare opportunity it offers to connect people with some of the world’s most renowned wineries in an intimate, iconic setting. There’s definitely a magic in the air.”
Victoria Stanage, Decanter Events and Awards Director
Tickets and Event Details
General Admission to the Grand Tasting starts at $225, with masterclasses ranging from $165 to $295. Tickets are limited and available through events.decanter.com/newyork.
For connoisseurs, collectors, or simply curious palates looking to discover rare wines in good company, this Saturday offers a one-day immersion into the best of the global cellar—without ever leaving Manhattan.