Sanibel’s first Winter Wine Festival this weekend

The inaugural Sanibel Uncorked! Winter Wine Festival 2008 will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club on Sanibel.

An unusually large assortment of wines will be available for tasting, all of which will be available for purchase on the island at Bailey’s General Store. The wines available are from 12 different wineries, comprising six to eight varietals of 20 different wines. Of note are 11 wines from local Southwest Florida Cape Winery, and wines from Graceland Vineyards exclusively available at Bailey’s. This is a prime opportunity to taste many wines before you buy.

Other outstanding items will be for sale by Sanibel’s Lily & Co. — dazzling jewelry, The Hirdie-Girdie Gallery — original fine art and crafts, and Luc Century — etched glass.

A silent auction and a raffle consisting of many fine gifts and prizes will be featured in addition to the wine and hors d’oeuvres. Prizes and auction items include a dinner cruise, two night/three day resort stays, rounds of golf on the island, tickets to Key West, tickets to theater, arts, concerts, dining at local restaurants, gift baskets, gift certificates, etc. Find some perfect holiday gifts. The first 150 wine tasters will receive a free, decorated commemorative wine glass. Everyone is welcome.

Come before or after the Nutcracker ballet at BIG ARTS. Tickets for this fun, charitable event are $50 per person with wine tasting, or $30 per person for designated drivers. Tickets are available at Bailey’s General Store and Sanibel Café, from Optimist Club members or at the event. Visa/Mastercard credit cards are welcome. For further information, call Stan Howard at 472-0836 or Dan Alton at Baileys General Store 239-472-1516.

This event is sponsored by the Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club, who aid children’s educational necessities within our community.