‘Grapes of Gratitude’ to bring competitive wine tasting to Springfield

Credit: TESS VELLA-COLLETTE

Credit: TESS VELLA-COLLETTE

The American Association of University Women Springfield Branch is about to pop the cork on a new type of competition.

AAUW’s first Grapes of Gratitude Fundraiser is a competitive wine tasting event that will combine wine and fun with competition when it debuts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23 at the Ohio Masonic Home clubhouse.

Looking for something different as a fundraiser, Springfield Branch president Joan Elder heard from a friend about such a competition she attended in another city and knew it could be something unique for the area.

“We just thought it sounded like something very different and good to try,” Elder said.

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Individuals and teams of two or three can enter. Entrants are required to bring three identical bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon red wine of their choice.

One bottle is set aside for prizes and the other two will be put into numbered bags. Teams will blind-taste sample the wines, take notes on each and rate them.

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Votes will then be tallied to find the most and least favorites. The individual or team with the highest-rated bottle will win a big share of the prize bottles and the runner-up also gets a share.

The lowest-scoring team also gets to take home a prize — their contribution. However many bottles up for grabs will depend on the number of teams.

The evening will also include light snacks, water and the opportunity to meet others. Teams are encouraged to find their own creative nicknames, such as “The Winers.”

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Elder was grateful to Springfield Masonic Community for allowing use of its clubhouse for no cost.

Pre-registration is requested, but not required. Elder is interested in hearing from those who would like to attend to know how many to expect.

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at Eventbrite. A few may also be available at the door.

Those who prefer to pay at the door can register by contacting Morgan Howell at moehowell94@gmail.com.

Proceeds will go to support scholarships and promote equity for local women and girls. AAUW awards two $500 scholarships are awarded to young women and Elder would like to see that expand.

“We would love to make it larger and grow the fund to become more substantial,” she said.

AAUW partners with organizations such as Project Woman to give women an advantage to improve their lives.


WANT TO GO?

What: AAUW Grapes of Gratitude Competitive Wine Tasting

Where: Ohio Masonic Home clubhouse, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield

When: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Admission: $10 a person and three identical bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon

More info: www.eventbrite.com/e/aauw-competitive-wine-tasting-tickets-41344790381

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