The Vegas Golden Knights have created a home atmosphere that is unmatched by any other team in the NHL. While the crowd's energy makes T-Mobile Arena an electric place to be during home games, the Foley Food & Wine Society Wine Bar elevates the experience by offering premium luxury estate wines and an exclusive tasting room for the discerning wine lover.
Foley Family Wines Elevates Experience at T-Mobile Arena
Fans can enjoy specialty wines during VGK home games
By
Lauren Byrnes @GoldenKnights / VegasGoldenKnights.com
We caught up with Kevin Corbett, who serves as the Vice President of Brands for Foley Family Wines and oversees the activation at VGK games, who discussed sharing Golden Knights Owner Bill Foley's passion for fine wines with Golden Knights fans.
Q: What is your role with VGK and Foley Family Wines?
Kevin Corbett: I have the privilege of serving as Vice President of Brands for Foley Family Wines. My primary objectives are to support the overall marketing functions for Foley Family Wines and identify opportunities to share VGK Owner Bill Foley's love for world-class wines, exquisite cuisine, and amazing experiences with the VGK faithful.
Q: Can you describe the development of the Foley Wine Tasting areas at T-Mobile Arena?
KC: For the past 5-10 years, there's been a growing demand by sports fans for more premium experiences when attending games, especially with regards to the quality of wines offered. We knew we had a unique opportunity with our team owner also being a vintner and owner of one of the most celebrated portfolios of world-class wines to create a space for our fans and other guests at T-Mobile Arena to enjoy the types of quality wines they would expect to find at their local wine shop, when dining out, or visiting wine country. But we wanted to do more than just offer these wines for purchase. We also wanted to replicate as best as possible the type of experience one would have when visiting a winery, including select estate wines, knowledgeable staff who can speak to each wine, and a private sitting area where they could enjoy these wines in a beautiful and quiet outdoor setting, reserved just for them. By working with our partners at T-Mobile Arena and Levy, as well as local Vegas events and experiences vendor (Production Theory), we identified the perfect location and designed a stunning wine bar experience not previously seen in pro sports.
Q: What are the main objectives and goals of these wine tasting areas?
KC: Our main objectives are to provide guests with a variety of wines of the highest quality, including those that have earned 90+ point scores and other acclaim from the leading wine publications. On a given night, we have at least six wines representing different varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling, and blends. We also want to create an environment that allows them to enjoy these wines in an atmosphere reminiscent of the tasting rooms they would experience when visiting wine country. Finally, we spend time educating all patrons on growing their love for wine, including tips for visiting one of Bill Foley's many wineries throughout California, Oregon, Washington, and New Zealand, joining one of our many wine clubs, where to find these same wines online or in local shops, how to pair wines at home with their favorite meals and answer any other questions they may have about wine. For VGK season ticket members, we like to remind them of the great benefits they enjoy with The Foley Food & Wine Society, including discounts on wines, special benefits at our wineries and hotels, and other exclusive benefits, which you can learn more about
here.
Q: Can you describe the success and impact they have had at T-Mobile?
KC: The number of patrons stopping by the FFWS Wine Bar every game night, as well as the number of glasses and carafes purchased, has far exceeded our expectations. So much so, that we have been approached by other venues and food and beverage providers across the country asking how we can provide similar experiences for their patrons.
Q: Where can you find the wine tasting areas?
KC: Located behind Section 17 behind the Bud Light Lounge, by the new What a Knight wall, and Section 4.