NYRA to host founder of Josh Cellars Wines on First Responders Day at Saratoga Race Course

by McKenna, Bardack

An Afternoon of Wine with Joseph Carr features the celebrated winemaker and Capital District native in the new Paddock Suite  

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced it will host a wine tasting with Josh Cellars founder and Capital District native Joseph Carr at Saratoga Race Course on Thursday, July 28.The event will take place on First Responders Day and will feature selections from the Josh Cellars and Josh Cellars Reserve portfolios, including the newly released Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon which benefits firefighters.

An Afternoon of Wine with Joseph Carr will take place in the Paddock Suite, a new hospitality venue for the 2022 season, featuring a climate-controlled bar, lounge and outdoor balcony with sweeping views of the Saratoga paddock. The special event includes admission and ticket to the Paddock Suite, a meet-and-greet with Carr discussing Josh Cellars’ wines and wine pairings, food and beverage, and a bottle of Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon.  

Tickets are available for $200 per person and will be limited to 80 guests. Tickets may be reserved at NYRA.com.

“We look forward to hosting Joseph Carr on First Responders Day in our new Paddock Suite at Saratoga Race Course,” said Kevin Quinn, NYRA Vice President for Sales and Hospitality. “It’s important to recognize the men and women who continuously put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. Joe’s father, Josh, epitomized the selfless philosophy of our first responders and this event is a great addition to this special day.”

Joseph Carr founded Josh Cellars in honor of his father, Josh, a veteran and a volunteer firefighter in nearby Berlin, NY, in Rensselaer County. To honor the brand’s namesake, Josh Cellars and Joseph Carr regularly contribute to charitable causes that were important to Joe’s father – through donations and the annual release of the Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon. This year, $1 for every bottle sold of the limited release will benefit firefighter charity organizations nationwide. 

Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon will be available in dining areas at Saratoga Race Course on First Responders Day. A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit a local firefighter organization.

The annual First Responders Day at Saratoga Race Course celebrates firefighters, police officers, EMTs and paramedics with various festivities and events, including a race named in their honor and special recognition in the winner’s circle.  

Highlighted by the 153rd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on August 27 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 6, the 2022 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will open on Thursday, July 14, and continue through Monday, September 5.

Following the four-day opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.