Wine fest adjusts for recession

LAKEWOOD RANCH - The Suncoast Food & Wine Fest on Saturday provided everything crucial for a Meyerson family outing: wine, beer, food and entertainment.

Jen Meyerson and brother David were especially relieved that the festival's organizers, the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, had decided to add specialty beer to their already comprehensive roster of offerings.

Jen, 28, regretted not picking up her glass of Leffe, a blond ale, before she dug into a London broil earlier in the three-hour event Saturday.

David was just happy to have a choice.

"I'm not a big wine drinker and the reds are warm, so it's nice to have a different option and a cold beverage," David, 27, said.

Adding specialty beers and emphasizing the food aspect of the eighth annual Suncoast Food & Wine Fest, formerly the Suncoast Winefestival, were two changes the Rotary Club made to keep the event successful in depressed times.

As in years past, there were more than 300 domestic and international wines, food from about three dozen restaurants, live entertainment and cooking demonstrations. The ticket price remained $60.

Event chairman Terry Pennekamp said he expects the event will net less money and that it drew about 100 fewer people than last year.

In 2008, about 1,200 people attended the festival, and the Rotary Club raised about $90,000 for 22 area charities.

Ticket sales in 2008 brought in about $72,000, but early estimates show ticket sales this year will yield about $65,000, Pennekamp said. The silent auction, which usually raises up to $15,000, may also dip.

"The slow economy has definitely left people with less discretionary funds," said publicity chair Laurie Hagberg.

Sponsorship revenue also fell from $78,500 in 2008 to $75,000.

However, any signs of a sagging economy were not apparent to patrons as the oenophiles and foodies lauded the event's variety.

Carl Burst, 66, swirled, sniffed and tasted many wines, including a white dessert wine.

As he contemplated the flavors, he began scanning the bottles at the next booth.

"I'll be back next year," he said. "Count on it."

Michael Klauber, one of the original event masterminds and owner of Michael's On East, said the crowds seemed just as dense and eager.

"Every year, the organizers make positive changes and let this event evolve by listening to what the people want," Klauber said. "It gets better every year despite anything."