Sarah Palin to Speak at Wine & Spirits Convention

(AP)Sarah Palin – who last night made her debut as a contributor to Fox News – will be the keynote speaker at The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Annual Convention in early April, according to the group.

"Governor Palin is a great supporter of America's free enterprise system and understands that industries like the beverage alcohol industry play a key role in driving our national economy. We're proud and honored to welcome her as a speaker," WSWA president and CEO Craig Wolf said in a press release. "We expect she will share with the convention attendees her analysis of the current political environment and her vision for America's future."

Palin's fee for the appearance was not disclosed. But according to Politico, the former Alaska governor and GOP vice presidential nominee gets $100,000 per speech -- except on the West Coast, where she asks $75,000.

Palin is also set to appear at a tea party convention next month in Nashville, along with Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and others. The cost to attend the event is reportedly $549, or $349 just to see Palin, and critics have raised questions about Palin's appearance fee at the ostensibly grassroots event.

On Fox News last night, however, Palin said she would not be accepting a fee for the tea party appearance. Conference organizers have declined to discuss whether Palin was being compensated for her address, and if so how much she was being paid.

"More important than money in my pocket from an event like that," Palin said, "is being able to turn it right around to campaigns, candidates, and issues that will help our country."

Shortly after the Las Vegas appearance, Palin plans to address the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans, a traditional stop for Republicans preparing to run for office.