Wine-tasting event to benefit Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM

January 9, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The 23rd annual “A Celebration of Wine” fundraising event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 19 at the University of Florida’s Reitz Student Union Grand Ballroom.

“A Celebration of Wine” is a wine tasting and auction for North Central Florida’s public radio station Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM. Organizers work with local vendors to showcase wine and food, as well as host silent and live auctions.

The tasting features more than 300 wines from vineyards around the world, including the United States, France, Germany, Italy, South America and Australia.

Wines for the event are donated from participating distributors, importers and wineries. The Wine & Cheese Gallery will feature culinary treats; desserts will be provided by Mildred’s Big City Food; and Classic Fare Catering will offer specialty coffee at the end of the afternoon.

The auctions will feature special vintages from participating wineries, wine enthusiasts, and The Wine & Cheese Gallery, as well as unique bottles and wine-related art by local artists of national acclaim. Tampa charity auctioneer Michael Roberts will oversee the live auction beginning at 3:30 p.m. during the event.

All proceeds from the tasting and auctions benefit Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM, providing public broadcasting programs and services to 19 counties in North Central and Mid-Florida. Over the years, supporters have raised more than $300,000 to continue the stations’ award-winning programming and services.

Financial sponsors include Pure Energy Solar, which donated the wine glasses for the event.

Tickets are $55 in advance and $60 at the door and will be available at The Wine & Cheese Gallery, 113 N. Main St. in Gainesville; Satchel’s Pizza, 1800 NE 23rd Ave. in Gainesville; Alarion Bank branches in Gainesville and Ocala; Mildred’s Big City Food in Gainesville; Wild Birds Unlimited, 4215 NW 16th Blvd. and online at www.celebrationofwine.org.

In addition to the wine tasting and auctions, patrons can enjoy the Winemakers’ Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Paramount Grill in downtown Gainesville. The four-course gourmet meal paired with fine wines is $100 per person. Reservations are required and seating is limited.

Keith Watson Productions is creating the décor for this one-of-a-kind event, and Primary Color is donating the web and social media design services.

For more information, visit www.celebrationofwine.org or call Sue Wagner at 352-392-5200, ext. 1106. Information is also available on the WUFT Events Facebook page and @WUFTwine on Twitter.