BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A group of local wine and beer connoisseurs are teaming up to present the first annual Tap+Cork Brooklyn Beer and Wine Festival in Bed-Stuy — a day-long celebration of craft beers, wine and local artisan spirits that also features live music.
The festival, held at the Bed-Stuy performance space The Lab at 1428 Fulton St. on Aug. 18, will begin with tastings in the hall's gated parking lot and stretch into the massive two-story loft space inside, where people can enjoy local food and shop from local vendors, while Fuse TV D.J. CEO spins throughout the day.
Live bands will also be in attendance, including Brooklyn-based soul-rock band (i am) isis.
Beers include selections from Kelso, Captain Lawrence, Empire and Peak Organic brewing companies, while wine will come from Brotherhood, Fox Run, Red Newt and Sheldrake Point wineries.
The event was created in part to add a splash of culture missing from the neighborhood, organizers said.
“Residents often have to journey outside of this culturally rich neighborhood to expand their palates," said Rotimi Akinnuoye, co-owner of Bed-Vyne Wine and its spinoff craft beer shop, Bed-Vyne Brew, which are sponsoring the event.
"We strive to bring new and unique experiences to our customers, so what better way to do that than with a festival in our own backyard?”
Tickets for the event are on sale now, with pre-sale general admission tickets going for $15. Tickets are $20 at the gate, with a $5 discount for designated drivers.
Wine and beer connoisseurs can also spring for VIP tickets, enjoying private tastings for the first hour on the building's upper balcony, with "rare selections" and passed hors d'oeuvres, organizers said.
Tickets also come with a commemorative tasting glass.
The Tap+Cork Brooklyn Beer & Wine Fest takes place, Aug. 18, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at The Lab, 1428 Fulton St. The event is an official part of 2013 Soul of Brooklyn Week.
