Taste wines at Milford Rotary's annual event

There won't be whining, but the vino will be flowing next Thursday during the annual Wine Tasting event at Bakers of Milford.

The annual event is one of the largest fund-raisers for the Rotary Club of Milford, which uses the funds for various local charitable projects, said Rotarian Linda Lazar, chair of the event.

Hundreds of guests come to Bakers' banquet hall for the gala, and everything is set up so both the wine connoisseur and tasting newcomer.

“Unlike many structured formal wine tastings, this one is informal,” Lazar said. “It's a fun atmosphere.

“The person not familiar with wine has a comfortable way to learn about them,” she added. “The experienced wine drinker gets a nice selection of wines they may not have been aware of.”

The Rotary club tapped Colasanti's Market to select the wine, as well as to bring in experts to talk about the wines to guests. More than 70 wines will be available from throughout the world, said Colasanti's wine manager Rob Knue.

“Everyone will find something,” he said. “And the selections are a great value for the price.”

Knue said wines can be tasted in any order, but he suggests starting with the lighter wines. The proper progression, he said, is to begin with dry whites, then moving to the sweeter whites before venturing into the light reds. It's best to finish with the heavier red wines, said Knue.

New this year will be a table of Michigan wines. Knue said local wines run the gamut, but Michigan generally is known for tasty white wines.

Colasanti's will offer discounts for anyone interested in ordering wine sampled at the tasting. The wine will be available for pickup within a week or two at the Highland store.

Throughout the evening, hors d'oeuvres will be available, and the Rotary Club is selling wine accessories for those looking to add to or upgrade their collection.

Several silent auction items will be set up, including a wellness package for your pet, Waterford Crystal, chocolates and a tour of Eastern Market with Ken Snook, owner of Colasanti's.

Tickets for the May 14 wine tasting are $35, and can be purchased from any Rotarian or by calling (248) 685-9104. Attire is business casual.

Proceeds from the wine tasting will benefit Rotary endeavors like scholarships for Milford and Lakeland seniors, Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Carls Family YMCA, Community Sharing and more.