KNCT Wine Classic offers a sampling of wine from around the world

Under dim lights, more than 500 people in suits and cocktail dresses sipped wine and nibbled on hors d'oeuvres Saturday evening during the second annual KNCT Wine Classic.

The wine tasting, held at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, offered nearly 200 varieties of wine from around the world, including Germany, Spain and Greece. Central Texas vineyards, such as Pillar Bluff Vineyards in Lampasas, poured their own wine as people treated themselves to chocolate, cheese, cranberry bacon roll ups, parmesan-crusted meatballs and miniature stuffed red potatoes.

Proceeds benefited local public television and radio stations KNCT-TV and "Simply Beautiful" 91.3 KNCT-FM. Pat McCray, membership director of KNCT and the event's organizer, said she expected the event would raise $30,000.

"We hope people leave with a passion for wine and a passion for public TV and radio," McCray said Saturday.

The wine classic grew significantly compared to last year, with a larger venue and more wine to choose from. Max Rudolph, general manger of KNCT, said there was no limit to how much wine people could drink.

"I'm sure the purists will smell the wine and spit it out," Rudolph said as he prepared for the wine tasting to begin. "Others will enjoy the sample all the way."

The food was hand-picked to go along with the variety of wines.

Before the wine tasting, more than 150 people attended a "Wine 101" class led by Steve Hanik, a certified sommelier. The class taught novices how to select the right wine for each meal, what to look for in taste and bouquet (scent) in selecting wines and other aspects of the winemaking process.

KNCT plans to hold the event again next year.

"Wine is something people can share with family and friends," McCray said. "It's all about having a good time."