Avi Glatt sampled sushi and simply sensational cerviche. Avi (left) and his crew brought a taste of Japan (kosher, of course) to KFWE 2012. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Well before the Sixth Annual Kosher Wine and Food Experience came to Chelsea Piers in New York City February 13, the event was fully “sold out.” More than 1200, attracted by unlimited “pours” of fine wines from Israel, America, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, kosher wine connoisseurs – and their friends – purchased tickets and enthusiastically attended the now annual New York event.

From its comparatively tame beginnings six years ago, the Kosher Food and Wine Experience has evolved into a sophisticated food and wine extravaganza. KFWE is sponsored by Royal Wine Corp., the leading producer, importer and marketer of award-winning kosher wines and spirits from around the world. Now in its sixth year, the event offers tastings of vintages from the simplest to the most extraordinary, varieties able to please the palettes of the consumer and the connoisseur, even including an opportunity to imbibe a sip from “the $100 bottle.”  The event is a celebration of wines and the foods that complement them.

At $100 per ticket, visitors to the KFWE are serious about their consumption. Kosher wines are enjoying a growing – and increasingly more glowing – reception in the “wine world.” Over 200 varieties from 40 producers were on this year’s tables. Several served at the 2012 event have been recognized in major competitions, often surpassing non kosher competitors. New entries included Pacifica Brands from Oregon, a new Herzog single vineyard wine from Napa’s Mt. Veeder and an “Old Vine” Cabernet from The Cave in Israel.

The array of wines was complemented by tastings from some of the metropolitan area’s premier kosher food resources. From sandwiches to sushi, canapés to chocolates, New York area restaurateurs and caterers displayed their finest fares – all prepared according to kosher dietary laws, of course.

The KFWE has become a place where people come to mix meeting and menus. The variety of food and beverage enables a virtual worldwide gourmet “experience” without leaving the “pier” (60, that, is). The variety of people, albeit with a strong presence from the Orthodox community, ranges across many borders, from those who are serious oenologists (those who know and understand wine) to basic novices, there to have a good and delicious time with friends.

L'Chaim! many glasses to be raised! Photo: Maxine Dovere.

A double "Chai-5" from the people of Pomegranate, the Brooklyn based kosher gourmet grocery Left to right, Matt Swedlof and Avi Gantz. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Subsational handled the hoagies, Noshers enjoyed a multi-meat sandwich sensation. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

May I pour you a glass? Vintnors offered delicious tastes of their finest productions. Photo: Maxine Dovere.