Time for a toast
It is indeed that time of year when we gather with friends and family. Celebrations are bigger, and each in our own way, a bit more extravagant. We spend more, but not always in dollars. Many times, we just commit more of our own emotion and energy into creating a special get-together, be it large or small. We raise our glasses and toast our collective health, our thanks for the past year, and wishes for the coming one.
But before you run out of toasts, save one to use after Christmas and the New Year. Save one to toast compassion.
On Saturday, February 7th, one of the truly great wine events will be held at the Hayden Lake Country Club. It is the annual Hospice of North Idaho Wine Taste, this year entitled "Toast to Compassion." This annual event is the single largest fundraiser for this organization that does so much impactful and compassionate work. Mary and I are involved again this year, quarterbacking the retail sales from the event, with all of the profits going back to Hospice. Our connection to Hospice is personal, witnessing the unbelievable work they do - perhaps too often - but like so many in our community, appreciating it more than words can ever express.
The retail sales are not only a big add-on to other funds raised that night, but for wine consumers, it is one of the great opportunities to buy wines as you try them. And there will be a lot of wines. Our great local distributors, as well as wineries and importers from near and far team up each year for this great cause, assembling a monumental selection of wines that is improving each and every year. We have focused the tasting collection on fewer sweet choices, and more palate-worthy and impressive reds. We have also focused on bringing together a collection of more rare offerings, to really give folks a chance to taste things they do not see every day.
While it is a great chance to try and buy wine, the real goal is to help this worthy organization raise the funds they need to do their jobs. This year, the auction lots and the big raffle item are truly impressive wine experiences that should interest many wine enthusiasts, regardless of experience level. The raffle item this year is a weeklong trip to northern California wine country, packed with tastings in both Napa and Sonoma and accommodations in some of the most spectacular venues. The trip will be for November of 2015. When we lived in wine country, the time before Thanksgiving was always one of our favorites. The crowds slim down, the fall color is vibrant and stunning, and in many years, the weather is fabulous.
We have worked with two great wineries, an importer and one of the great venues in Walla Walla, to assemble two auction lots that should be fun and educational for all who are into wine. Rich Funk, owner winemaker at Saviah Cellars, is contributing to our Walla Walla auction lot called "Winemaker for a Day." The lot includes two nights at the Marcus Whitman for two couples, and a day working at the winery with Rich. I will be cooking lunch for the winners at the winery, and we will also be hosting a dinner at the Chef's Table in the Marcus Whitman for the successful bidders.
For another lucky bidder, we will head to Boise for lunch, a vineyard and winery tasting and tour with Joe and Melanie Schnerr, owners and winemakers at Idaho superstar Cinder. Cinder is one of the rare "all Idaho" wineries making their wine here, and using Idaho-grown grapes to produce it. We will also do a tasting of international selections while in Boise with Importer Bryan Hinschberger of Bon Vivant Imports. Bryan has been at several of our events here in Coeur d'Alene, and those of you who have attended know how knowledgeable and entertaining Bryan is.
Great wine tasting, a cause and organization that warrant our fundraising help, and great prizes to be had. We need no other reason than to come out on Feb. 7 and lend a hand to Hospice of North Idaho. We hope you can be there, we will see you there. For tickets and more information go to the Hospice website www.honi.org.
If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email george@thedinnerpartyshop.com, or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.
George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party, a wine and tabletop decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George has also worked as a judge in many wine competitions; his articles are published around the country, and he is the wine editor for Coeur d'Alene Magazine, www.cdamagazine.com.
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