18th annual Celebration of Wine benefits public radio

January 29, 2007

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 18th annual benefit wine tasting and auction to be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Feb. 18, in the University of Florida’s Reitz Student Union Ballroom.

Last year, nearly 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 Unites 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 of Vintage Wine Cellar 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, gift certificates and wine-related art by local artists of national acclaim. A few Gator items also will be added to the mix. Additionally, patrons can enjoy culinary treats from The Wine & Cheese Gallery, desserts from Mildred’s Big City Food, and specialty coffees from Classic Fare Catering. During the event Renaissance group Musica Vera will perform followed by jazz combo Kroupa Kroll Group.

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 from the tasting and auctions benefit Classic 89 and Nature Coast 90, which provide public and educational broadcasting for 19 counties in North Central and Mid-Florida. More than $240,000 has been raised through the years at this annual event.

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; Coldwell Banker MM Parrish Realty offices in Gainesville and High Springs; 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, in 2206 Weimer Hall at the University of Florida. Coldwell Banker MM Parrish Realtors is also the official ticket sponsor of the 2007 event.

Besides the wine tasting and auctions, a Winemakers’ Dinner will take place at 7 p.m., Feb. 17 at Steve’s Café Americain. The five-course gourmet meal paired with wine from Alexander Valley Vineyards and Oakville Ranch Winery in California is $80 per person, and seating is limited.

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.