Top of the List, A-Number 1

Wine & Spirits magazine was assured a successful bash for its “Top of the List” event, held last night at City Winery—the place where oenophiles needn't leave town to create their own private-label wine. Restaurateur and master of ceremonies Joe Bastianich welcomed sommeliers from top eateries around the country before commencing with the Grand Tasting of award-winning wines.

While the tasting offered a superb opportunity to sample luscious and rarefied wines, the real fun happened at the after-party, which was sponsored by the Classic and Vintage Portfolio. Fully embracing the Wine and Spirits moniker, the second half of the night featured artisanal spirits that were shaken and stirred by the Tippling Brothers. Their magic concocted six cocktails, which ranged from "traditional with a twist" to utterly exotic, such as the Chocolate-Chili Pisco Sour (The latter married the Mayans' love for chocolate and chili with the Incas' genius, which uncovered the secret to growing grapes in Peru’s southern desert.) With temptations such as the pisco sour for inspiration, the otherwise studious crowd roared late into the evening.—Lizzie da Trindade-Asher

For more photos, also by Lizzie Asher, click here.