According to Ernest Hemingway, "Wine is the most civilized thing in the world." Considering the culturally advanced, world-class charity fundraiser, Florida Winefest & Auction 2012, most of Sarasota's local wine enthusiasts and visitors agree.
This year celebrates the 22nd Annual Florida Winefest & Auction on April 12 -15, with two "pre-party events" to prepare you for the big debut. The festival and events celebrate fine wine paired with culinary genius and topped off with an extra helping of charitable donation to benefit children's charities throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. In years past, the Florida Winefest & Auction grant committee has supported more than 76 different, not-for-profit, charitable agencies, and gifted more than $7.5 million to help disadvantaged children in our area. Some past recipients include Community Coalition on Homelessness, Children First, Mothers Helping Mothers and The ManaTEEN Club – to name a few.
The Events
Things get started with a blaze at the first Florida Winefest & Auction event of the year, Balloon Glow Dinner. The premier event will be held on February 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the lovely, 83 acre, privately owned, Herschberger Ranch. Come experience the spectacular views of a hot air balloon glow against a rippling lake and nighttime sky. Your $150 ticket gets you the VIP pass to sip champagnes and a selection of fine wines that will be paired with the delectable cuisine of local chef Paul Mattison. Ticketing for this event is limited.
If, in addition to fine wine, your list of civilized things includes the game of golf, you can be a part of the First Annual Vintage Golf Classic, a unique Florida Winefest & Auction fundraising event held March 12 at 7:00 a.m. at the Founders Club Golf Course. Only 36 golfers may sign up and be allowed the privilege of playing the course reserved solely for them, at their own pace and in an individual scramble format. There is no fee to play. Instead, golfers are challenged with a fundraising goal in mind. You can participate by playing or financially supporting those who do.
The Winemaker Dinners on Thursday, April 12 begin at 6:30 p.m. and offer guests a unique food and wine experience. The dinners take place at both private homes and elegant restaurants throughout Sarasota and pair the most exquisite wines with their perfectly balanced edible counterparts to create a symphony for the taste buds. Ticket prices range from $95 - $175.
And don't pass up the chance to tantalize your taste buds and rejuvenate your soul during Beach Fest at the Longboat Key Club & Resort on Friday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the sunset and drench your toes in the powdery white sand as you dine, drink and mingle, beachside. Winemakers will be in attendance to discuss all things wine. Tickets are $200 per person.
On Saturday, April 14 two events offer wine enthusiasts a chance to get in on the action. From 1:00 pm to 4:00 p.m., enjoy Sip & Shop at St. Armands Circle, Sarasota. There will be wine tastings, a display of Suncoast Motorsports vehicles, and music by Alan Brunton, the talented performer of both opera and show tunes. Participating wineries will also be on hand. Please bring your beach chairs and blankets and plan to stay the afternoon. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. On Saturday evening, time to be announced, come out to celebrate the 100 year anniversary at the Titanic Dinner. While there, you will receive First Class accommodations as you sip wine paired with Chef Christopher Covelli's re-creation of the seven course dinner served the night of the sinking of the Titanic – 100 years ago. This event is located in a private home and has limited seating. Tickets are $250 per person.
As we know, all good things must come to an end, but fortunately, the end of Sarasota's 2012 Florida Winefest & Auction wraps up with yet another grand event, The Grand Tasting, Brunch & Charity Auction on Sunday, April 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Polo Grill, Lakewood Ranch. Here, guests will enjoy a grand tasting of wines from participating wineries and nosh on scrumptious brunch fare prepared by Tommy Klauber and his culinary staff. The Grand Tasting and Brunch will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by a Charity Auction at 2:00 p.m. David Elswood of Christies, London will be leading the spirited auction bidding. Also, former Gourmet Magazine Wine & Spirits Expert Michael Green will be on board to assist. Tickets for the event are $150.
Event Accommodations
The Hyatt Regency, Downtown, Sarasota is the 2011-2012 Accommodations Sponsor for the Florida Winefest & Auction. Please call 941-953-1234 or visit www.sarasota.hyatt.com to check out the special deals set up just for those out-of-towners looking to enjoy all that the Florida Winefest & Auction 2012 has to offer.
To find more hotel options, purchase event tickets, become a sponsor or to just get more information about any of the events listed above, visit www.floridawinefest.org or call 941-952-1109 or toll free at 1-800-216-6199.
The Last Drop
The words of world-renowned winemaker Robert Mondavi regarding wine also seem quite appropriate regarding the Florida Winefest & Auction. "Wine to me is passion. It's family and friends. It's warmth of heart and generosity of spirit. Wine is art. It's culture. It's the essence of civilization and the art of living."
The Florida Winefest & Auction 2012 is a delightful way to enjoy a world-class food and wine extravaganza and help those less fortunate, all in the beautiful gulf coast setting of Sarasota. Come for a visit and the experience. We bet you'll be glad you did!
