You can read about the numerous health benefits associated with wine in the “Wine & Health” section of VinesseTODAY.com.
While moderate consumption of wine has been shown to be part of a healthful lifestyle, it should be noted that wine also is an important part of the community – whether that community is in “wine country” or in some far-flung locale such as Miami.
Each year, thousands of wine festivals and auctions are held across the country, many of which include a charitable tie-in of some sort.
Two recent events on opposite ends of the country – one in Portland, Oregon, and the other in the “fun and sun capital of the world,” as Jackie Gleason used to call Miami – raised more than $4.3 million for very worthwhile causes.
In Portland, the Classic Wines Auction featured 52 lots and brought in around $2.3 million from successful bids, a matching funds program and an accompanying silent auction.
Among the organizations benefiting from the event are the YWCA of Clark County, Friends of the Children, Metropolitan Family Service, and New Avenues for Youth.
About a week earlier, the four-day South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami attracted about 50,000 foodies who had the opportunity to sample wines from 70 estates.
The festival included numerous events, some with a charitable tie-in. When all the receipts had been processed, it was revealed that more than $2 million had been raised for the Florida International University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
More than 1,000 students worked at the festival, some for course credit and some simply for the experience.
