DISCOUNT WINE CELLARS

Functions involving the drinking, purchasing, and/or tasting of wine are held frequently around Salmon Arm and are often associated with fundraising. Running such an event involves many considerations, including licensing.
On the February 13th I will be working at the Chocolate and Diamonds Gala for Mara Station Retreat Centre and I would say that one of the most confusing aspects of arranging this thing is the liquor licensing. It's all worked out, but not without some confusion.
The lady who is serving wine is named Lynn, from Recline Ridge, and you couldn't ask for a better person to work with. Patient? Her name should be in the dictionary under the word. Licensing is different for every event she goes to because some are hosted in places which already serve alcohol or which have licenses for such events. Then there are special events where organizers need to get one-night licenses, try to predict the amount of wine to be sold, find out how much will be on the premises (opened or not, doesn't matter). Lynn has her serve-it-right certification (which says that she knows not to hold your wine glass on the inside or sneeze in it) but was not a member of our organization, which meant that even if she has a liquor license it wouldn't matter. Then we were going to get a license for the Mara Station Retreat Society, until Ginny, the Executive Director, had the fabulous idea of making Lynn a member. Genius. Now all I know is that the matter is 'in hand' as they say.
So, the main thing is that one can still come to our fundraiser, win a diamond pendant to give as a gift to that special someone (or mom), purchase something for the wine cellar knowing your money is spent on good wine for an even better cause, and go home happy. Put it this way: if you plan on running an event involving wine, never assume anything, don't put me in charge, and book Lynn.

Labels: 48 bottle corner wine cellar, Recline Ridge, Valentines Day wine charms, wine charity

Right on a beautiful stretch of river, frequented by swans and many other birds, in the quiet village of Mara is the Mara Station Retreat Centre. Here residential retreats are offered for people living with life-threatening illness and their partners or caregivers. Participants learn pain management techniques, meditation, nutrition and much more. The idea is to live with joy and meaning throughout life, no matter how little time one might have left.
The cost of retreats is high because of the professionals running seminars, the resources, the organic foods etc. The Society is non-profit. That's why they do fundraising, including a Chocolate and Diamonds Gala this Saturday the 13th in Salmon Arm, BC, at our elegant art gallery. There will be chocolate tasting, ballroom dancing, wine sold by the glass or the bottle by Recline Ridge (who are also donating a silent auction basket), a live auction, music, and the chance to win a diamond pendant.
I'm definitely going, but not because of the diamond pendant (worth $500 and donated by Enderby Jewellers), but because I'm on the fundraising committee and will be liasing with the MC, my friend Ron Langridge. I will also be dressing-up which is always fun, even when you're not a kid anymore. In fact, moreso because I hardly ever have cause to dress in anything but jeans and my favourite hoodie. I'll be wearing a low-cut strappy black dress, but don't let that scare you.
The communities of Salmon Arm, Enderby, Mara and others have been very generous in donating items for the silent and live auctions, plus goodies to taste. Most people relate to the Society's purpose since hardly anyone has not been touched by cancer, MS, Alzheimers or some other terrible disease. But even though the topic is serious, that doesn't mean we can't have fun, buy some great wine for our cellars, indulge in chocolate, or win a wonderful Valentine's Day gift for someone (just in the nick of time).
Which timing is usual for Valentine's Day, isn't it?

Labels: 96 bottle instant wine cellar, British Columbia, chocolate, diamonds, Discount Wine Cellars, Valentines Day wine charms, wine cellars, wine charity

Not long ago I began commentary on the race between 'Booze Monkey' of Australia and America's 'Palate Press' who are racing to see who could raise more money for Haiti through their respective wine auctions. Their efforts are going strong, and I am seeing more regular movement in the bidding again. I'm pretty sure that Palate Press is ahead of Booze Monkey; then again, Palate Press started first and Booze Monkey has finite deadlines rather than creating 'hot lots' after an item hasn't had action for 24 hours. Urgency spurs actions, I say, whether physical or financial.
Items that have enjoyed frequent friendly bidding have included the Cakebread Cellars mixed case, valued at $536. This case includes Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfadel. The current bid is $400. Lot 29, Fox Run Vineyards Mixed Case valued at $160, looks like it might go for $150. A Zugibe Vineyards case of 2007 Riesling (yum) could go for it's retail value: $195.
Booze Monkey isn't seeing as much action as Palate Press, but their catalogue has grown from 5 pages to 7. If bidding stopped right now, bidders would get some wonderful deals. Penfold's Grange Shiraz Magnum 2004, signed by winemaker Peter Gago, is worth $2000. Right now the bid has moved from a recent $960 to $1010 (Australian Dollar). A Castagna Mixed Dozen worth $789 might be sold for $370. Dogpoint Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, 12 bottles worth $500, has seen a bit of action: $230 has gone up to $240.
What I have to remind myself as I see valuable wine and related items graciously donated from the cellars of generous men and women almost being given away is that this money will all go to Haiti. The attitude of organizers and donors is that whatever they get will be thankfully received.
Still, I hope that the value of many of the lots on offer will inspire the public to bid high and from the heart. Wow, that sounds really sappy.
Just hand over your *&%#$ money. No, too Bob Geldof. Not me at all.
Please tell everyone you know about these auctions which combine fun with fundraising in a community that appreciates what is on the block. Or should I say, on the wine rack?

Labels: 6 bottle instant wine cellar, Australia, big bottle wine cellars, Chardonnay, Discount Wine Cellars, Haiti relief, Riesling, United States, wine charity, wood wine racks

Despite these rough economic times, it's important to support charities that improve the life of this planet along with its wildlife. While Discount Wine Cellars is always focused on reducing carbon emissions as a way to reduce the effects of global warming, there are plenty of complimentary ways wine lovers can help. After all, you'll need delicious bottlings to go with the beautiful new carbon neutral wine rack.

Labels: born free, carbon credits, carbon emissions, carbon footprint, custom design cellar, custom wine cellar, custom wine charms, discount cellars, discount wine cellar, offset carbon, wine charity