Wine on Wheels Annual Grand Tasting - NYC, September 8

Join us for Wine on Wheels on Sunday, September 8th at City Winery NYC!

We invite all wine lovers in NYC, or those visiting the city, to experience an unforgettable day of wine, fun, and charity. For over a decade, we've been supporting and pouring wines at Wine on Wheels, a beloved charity event. And this year we will certainly be there too, so let’s meet!

Taste delicious wines, mingle with other wine enthusiasts, and contribute to a meaningful cause. Funds raised will empower people with disabilities to reach their full potential and to promote improved accessibility for those who need it to maintain a more independent, comfortable, and dignified way of life.

This event brings together top wine talents from New York City's premier restaurants and retailers. All of Wine on Wheels' sommeliers volunteer their time, and the wines are donated by friends from various corners of the hospitality industry. The event features a wine tasting, diverse offerings from Michelin-starred restaurants and cherished neighborhood gems, and  live and silent auctions featuring rare wines, exclusive experiences, and unique items.

Wine on Wheels was founded by sommelier and disability advocate Yannick Benjamin, who dedicated his life to addressing the unmet needs of the disability community. He is also the co-owner of the groundbreaking, accessible restaurant Contento in East Harlem and the wine retailer Beaupierre Wines & Spirits in Hell's Kitchen, a space of community where inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability thrive.  

Fueled by Benjamin's commitment to inclusivity, Wine on Wheels started as a small fundraising initiative but has evolved into a powerful movement supporting organizations that are making a significant impact in our community. It's a vibrant circle of wine enthusiasts and sommeliers united by their shared passion for wine and their desire to make a difference.

Yannick Benjamin, a second-generation restaurateur, always dreamed of following in his family's footsteps. He had the privilege of starting his career under the guidance of his experienced family members. His French heritage fueled his love of wine. However, at the height of his enthusiasm and career, a car accident left him paralyzed. Being quite young when the accident happened, Benjamin didn’t want to give up on chosen career and was eager to re-enter the wine and fine dining industries. Although there was no established path for a person with disabilities to follow in this field, Benjamin was determined to work with restaurants and wines.

After his injury, he faced the social barriers that people with disabilities often encounter but others may not even consider. As he himself says, change often occurs when someone has personal experience or a connection to someone experiencing something. Like Michel Chapoutier's decision to add braille to his wine labels, inspired by a conversation with a blind friend who complained about not being able to choose a bottle of wine in the shop, personal connections can be powerful catalysts for change.  Benjamin and his partners opened their restaurant on the core values of accessibility and adopted the tagline "accessible for all." And his Wine on Wheels project is designed to support people with disabilities in leading active, fulfilling lives.

Yannick Benjamin is a shining example of how one can overcome all odds to pursue their passion, inspiring others to join him in his love of fine wines and his dedication to helping others. Proceeds from Wine on Wheels ticket sales and auction bids benefit projects that provide resources to people with disabilities and promote healthy, active lifestyles for them.

Professionals from numerous restaurants and wine retailers are generously donating their time and wines to Wine on Wheels. Hosted at the iconic City Winery NYC, this event will feature familiar faces from local hospitality leaders who believe in the important work that Benjamin and his team are doing. All participants not only have extensive knowledge of best wine and food but also share Benjamin's passion for making a positive impact on people's lives.

More than 30 top sommeliers from New York’s finest restaurants will present their handpicked selections, offering you the chance to explore some of the most exquisite wines in the world. Whether you’re an aficionado or just beginning your wine journey, Wine on Wheels is crafted to delight and inspire.

Don't miss out on this incredible event where you can enjoy fine wines and contribute to a meaningful mission! Join us, it’ll be fun!

Get Your Tickets Today