New York state is home to the Rochester Wine and Chocolate Festival, and this event can be great fun for just about anyone. And as with any other festival or event, it’s a good idea for you to plan your trip ahead of time so everything can go smoothly. In fact, following the advice here may help you avoid something really unpleasant, such as a drunk driving incident or even falling asleep at the wheel. Safety comes first, and once all the groundwork is laid, you’re ready to party. Now, let’s figure out how to have good drinks and stay safe. The festival awaits.
Transportation and Alcohol
This is the single biggest topic we want to discuss with you. Just how are you going to get to the Rochester Wine and Chocolate Festival, anyway? Of course, you could drive yourself there, but if too many people do that, then parking is going to be a real headache. Imagine there is one car parked for every attendee; that’s not going to work out well. So, it’s time to use some vehicles to transport an entire group, and your list of options is longer than you might think.
Here is one solid idea: set up a carpool. Carpooling is like having a miniature bus, in the sense that you are taking several cars off the road and thus freeing up more room on the road, and reducing overall carbon emissions, too. As a bonus, if you are carpooling, then you can make use of the carpool lane on various highways, which should speed you up. After all, carpooling is a bit rare, so you might have the entire carpool lane to yourself at times. When it comes to carpooling, coordinate with friends and family, and decide who is going to do the driving.
Choose someone who will avoid drinking, so they can safely drive from the event. The driver shouldn’t be too far away from the other party members, either, and no one should live too far away from the others. This can help you minimize the driving distance involved, which saves on time and gas alike. As for the vehicle itself, anything goes as long as the car is in good shape and has enough seats for everyone. It could be anything from a roomy sedan to a minivan or an SUV, and using an SUV or minivan is a great idea if you’re packing some items, too. You don’t want to pile too much stuff on your lap, after all. And don’t be afraid to use phone calls, group text messages, Facebook, and the like so you can keep the entire party coordinated. This way, no one (least of all the driver) gets left out or lost.
If you don’t have anyone available for carpooling, or you want to drive up to the Rochester Wine and Chocolate Festival in true style, why not rent a limo? Don’t be intimidated by the idea; limousines are for more people than just celebrities and politicians. Yes, the fanciest limos tend to pull up to red carpet events, but you’d be surprised at how many American limo companies are ready to drive around ordinary customers. Most limo rental companies are on the small side and have a fleet of four to 10 vehicles or so. This is just what you need.
A limo is not only wonderfully fancy and comfortable, but you have the advantage of not needing a designated sober driver in your group. Now, how do you rent something like this? Go online and look up local limo rental companies in your area, and check out their websites to see what they can offer, and at what price. If you find a promising company, it’s a good idea to go visit them in person and look over the cars with your own eyes. This is so you can check a limo for issues such as chipped paint or a deflated tire, and you will want to check the inside for problems like lingering odors, damaged seat upholstery, or stains. A limo isn’t automatically fancy and nice; you’ll want to confirm this. Also, make sure the limo’s seating capacity is exactly what you need. If the limo’s too small, it can’t fit your entire party, and if it’s too big, you are wasting money on empty seats. Finally, check for any unexpected fees for rental, such as paying for wine bottles in the car or anything like that.
Where did limos come from, anyway? The idea of them is over a century old; back in 1902, the first limousines had covered compartments and required the driver to sit on the outside, to give the passengers some privacy. And goodness knows that limos are much bigger and fancier now; some of the largest have king-sized beds, hot tubs, or even helicopter landing pads on them. Some of them are practically nightclubs on wheels.
Carpooling and limos are time-honored ways to transport a group of people. But now in the 21st century, some more options have arrived, and that includes the likes of Uber and Lyft. Though young, these companies have already proven both popular and convenient, and don’t be afraid to make use of their services. Companies like these have apps that allow you to easily find a car that can seat your entire party, and the driver will download directions to everyone’s home and get them there safely. This is a great idea for the late evening after a festival has ended, and everyone is too tired to drive. Don’t be afraid to get an Uber or Lyft driver both on the way there and the way back. But of course, if none are available or you don’t like the idea of freelance taxis like these, you might just find a conventional taxi. You may have some competition, though.
Wine and Safety
It’s time to party. Responsibly, that is. Americans love wine, and in fact, the U.S. outranks even France in wine consumption. In 2018, Americans collectively drank some 33 hectoliters, and France came in second at 26.8 million hectoliters. You’re bound to love the wine, chocolate, and other treats at the Rochester Festival, but safety comes first, and some DUI charges are guaranteed to end your night on a sour note. Absolutely do not drive if you are intoxicated, and no, you should not try to drive “buzzed,” either; it’s still not safe, even if you are not fully drunk. If you feel anything less than 100%, don’t touch that steering wheel.
This is serious business, and despite the dangers, a lot of Americans drive drunk anyway, and they and their victims have to literally pay the price. Every year, alcohol-related car crashes cost some $59 billion in total, and many people get injured or might even get killed. And facing DUI criminal charges is the last thing you want. After all, alcohol impairs the brain and reduces your coordination, reflexes, and judgment, which makes you a sloppy and erratic driver, likely to hit other cars or pedestrians and race right through red lights or stop signs. On a related note, double-check that your designated carpool driver is 100% sober; if your driver is buzzed too, then it’s time to find other, safer options.
On a lighter note, wine lovers of all kinds may find plenty to like at the Rochester Wine and Chocolate Festival, where every March, wineries and wine enthusiasts convene to go on a magnificent wine tour. You can sample New York’s many brands of wine, chocolate, and cheese there, and get all kinds of shopping opportunities, too. You just might find another rare bottle of your favorite brand or discover a new brand to become your favorite. Shopping online is one thing, but checking out new wines in person, surrounded by wine experts and enthusiasts, can be a whole different experience. Don’t forget the mini boutiques for purses, jewelry, and clothing, too.
So long as you stay safe and plan ahead, going to the Rochester Wine and Chocolate festival can be the highlight of the year for any wine lover, and you can get home after a thrilling day of wine tasting if you’ve got a carpool, Uber driver, or limo on hand. Hiring a limo driver is safe and classy. Give it a try!
