At the risk of sounding like a killjoy, I have to confess that drinks festivals rarely excite me. These events are often promoted as learning opportunities that can help you improve your tasting skills and discover new brands. While the lure of convenience (the chance to sample hundreds of varieties of sake or wine in one place) has a certain appeal, circumstances tend to shift the focus away from tasting and toward drinking. Outdoor tippling fairs are particularly dangerous and require extra caution. Behind the promise of convivial bonhomie looms the specter of public drunkenness and long, panic-inducing lines for the women's restroom.