Wine enthusiasts can help raise money for public radio in Gainesville

February 24, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Wine enthusiasts can once again raise their glasses in support of North Central Florida’s public radio stations at “A Celebration of Wine,” the 17th annual benefit wine tasting and auction to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the University of Florida’s Reitz Student Union Ballroom.

Last year, almost 700 guests from across the Southeast traveled to Gainesville to experience the international flavor of the tasting, which features more than 300 wines from vineyards around the world, including those of the United States, France, Germany, Italy, South America and Australia.

Hosted by public radio stations WUFT-FM Classic 89 and WJUF-FM Nature Coast 90 and The Wine & Cheese Gallery, the event showcases both a silent and live auction, with charity auctioneer Michael Roberts from Vintage Wine Cellars in Tampa, overseeing the live event. The auctions will feature individual lots of special older vintages from participating wineries, wine enthusiasts, and the Wine & Cheese Gallery, as well as special bottles and wine-related art by local artists of national acclaim. Additionally, patrons can enjoy culinary treats from The Wine & Cheese Gallery, desserts from Mildred’s Big City Food, and coffees from Classic Fare Catering.

Wine selection for the event is coordinated by Wade Tyler and Bunky Mastin, co-owners of The Wine & Cheese Gallery, a full-service wine and gourmet food store and restaurant that has been serving Gainesville for more than 30 years.

All proceeds harvested from the tasting and auctions benefit Classic 89 and Nature Coast 90, which provide public and educational broadcasting for 19 counties in North Central Florida. Over the years, those who gather to uncork the spirits have raised more than $200,000 to continue the stations’ award-winning programming and services.

Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door and will be available at The Wine & Cheese Gallery, 113 N. Main St. in Gainesville; Wachovia Bank branches in Gainesville and the main office in Ocala; Mildred’s Big City Food and New Deal Café in Gainesville; and the WUFT/WJUF stations, located in 2206 Weimer Hall at the University of Florida.

In addition to the wine tasting and auctions, patrons can enjoy the Winemakers’ Dinner at 7 p.m. on Feb. 25 at Steve’s Café Americain. The five-course gourmet meal paired with Australian wines from the Grateful Palate is $75 per person. The dinner is sponsored by Ameriprise Financial.

For reservations or more information, call either Sue Wagner at (352) 392-5200, ext. 1106, or Wade Tyler at (352) 372-8446. Information is also available online at www.wuftfm.org/wine.