This dispatch from the floor of the New York Wine Expo comes to us from Alysia Lew, AOL staffer and wine lover. Thanks Alysia!

Foodies and wine enthusiasts flocked to the International Restaurant and Food Show of New York this weekend. However, one of the pillars of this show – and the best reason to trek to the Jacob Javits Convention Center on a rainy Saturday - was the New York Wine Expo.

The Wine Expo featured over 600 wines from 170 winemakers from around the world and was a great opportunity for wine lovers to taste and learn about new wines including many not yet available in the US. The tickets for the event cost $75 for Friday night and $85 for Saturday. While a seemingly steep price, it's a great way to spend a day and can be a perfect date or a fun place to go with friends.

Upon entering the Wine Expo, attendees are handed a souvenir tasting glass. Each vineyard has their own booth where you simply go up to the counter and get a sample of the wines the vineyard is highlighting for the show. You can learn about the way the grapes were harvested, the wine making process and what makes each wine standout. The expo was divided into regions, with New York and California wines taking up the most space. Not to be outdone, international wines were also prominently featured, with Argentina and Chile being the standouts in that category.

There are similar Wine Expos in Boston and DC. I suggest if one comes by you, that you attend. This is also a great weekend event and an event worth planning your next visit to NYC around. This is a destination in itself.

While I got to taste a number of wines, some of the highlights included: Solaire Chardonnay from Robert Mondavi: This new wine is the perfect summer wine. Hints of pineapples, mango and pear are noted in this light and airy chardonnay. New this year, it was just launched in February and is in wine stores across the country. A bottle will run about $15.

Riesling from Fox Run Vineyards: I am a fan of German Rieslings and thought I wouldn't like this, but I was pleasantly surprised at this smooth and aromatic wine. With a mixture of fruit and toast aromas, this semi-dry Riesling is something that would be perfect with a small appetizer or a berry dessert. At about $16 a bottle, it should be added to your must-try list.

Petit Shirah from Concannon Vineyards: As a maker of sacrament wine for the Catholic Church, Concannon was one of just two vineyards allowed to legally stay open during Prohibition. The Shirah is complex, with a spicy undertone, and is similar to a Cabernet. This Shirah is available for just $12 at wine stores.