Poughkeepsie Journal: Vincent Tropepe Films Segment for his new TV Show RAW at HV Wine Festival

Attendees of the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest “better make sure they are dressed nicely,” said certified wine specialist Debbie Gioquindo.

You just might be featured on celebrity chef Vincent Tropepe’s new reality show “RAW,” which will film an episode at the festival to be held Saturday through Sept. 8 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.

Tropepe, dubbed “the American Gordon Ramsay” by Edible Magazine, has been a friend of the wine festival for years, according to Michael Babcock, president of the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest.

“We’re really happy that the producers of the show have decided to have a show based at the wine fest,” Babcock said.

According to Babcock, the reality show, which is still in production, will focus on the behind-the-scenes life of a chef, as well as helping restaurants facing bad reviews or heath code violations.
Babcock said he thinks the filming will draw more people to the festival.

“People are always drawn to that kind of activity,” Babcock said. “Anytime there are film production crews, people seem to get excited.”

Publicist Marybeth Cale said Tropepe thought the festival was the perfect setting to film an episode of his new show, not only because of the location, but because of the people who come to the festival.
“It’s really the perfect spot for a film crew to produce an episode of a show that is inspired by food and wine and features a celebrity chef,” Cale said. “The Hudson Valley really epitomizes the wonderful lifestyle attached with being a foodie.”

The filming is not the only new thing at this year’s festival. Because of new legislation, an additional microbrewery component has been added to the event.

Brewers can now be licensed as a “farm brewery” if 20 percent or more of their ingredients come from New York state. This makes it easier for brewers to sell their beer at festivals.

“We really provide the masses with wine, beer and specialty food,” Cale said. “This event draws thousands of people from all over the county.”

Also new to the event is the addition of food trucks, proving the festival is more than just a wine-tasting event.

“It’s a fantastic festival to taste not just wine, but also local Hudson Valley products,” Gioquindo said.

Gioquindo runs the Hudson Valley Wine Competition at the festival. She said it is a great place to “try before you buy.”

“It is a great way for people to be introduced to local wines,” she said. “With these wines, you are not going to be able to find them in the liquor store.”

Gioquindo said she is very excited for the new additions to the festival, especially the filming of “RAW,” and hopes it will bring more people to the Hudson Valley.

“I think it is going to be a great way to spotlight the Hudson Valley,” Gioquindo said. “It will be great for tourism.”

Maria DiSalvo is a Poughkeepsie Journal intern. Reach her at newsroom@poughkeepsiejournal.com; Twitter: @MDiSalvoPJ.

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20130901/NEWS01/309010055/Reality-show-feature-Wine-Food-Fest