Genesis Wine Tasting will again bring about something new
Date: 9/8/2009
By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
WESTFIELD -- A family owned winery nestled in the Berkshires and a chocolate shop in East Longmeadow will take center stage as part of the festivities during the 10th annual Genesis Wine Tasting on Sept. 18.
Proceeds raised from the annual fundraiser will benefit both the Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center on Mill Street and the Greater Westfield YMCA on Court Street.
"The Genesis Wine Tasting has a reputation as being known as a charming yet fun and educational event," said Kristen Mackey, Genesis's director of marketing, during an interview with Reminder Publications. "The variety of wines change from year to year, keeping supporters coming back for a taste of something new."
Mackey noted that committee chair Faith Sullivan hopes to raise $12,000 from the evening event.
The wine tasting will feature more than 80 wine varieties, all coordinated by Mike Altobelli, owner of the Westfield Spirit Shop. In addition to the wine, a beer tasting will complement the festivities, coordinated by representatives of the Berkshire Brewing Company in Greenfield and Opa Opa in Southampton.
The Les Trois Emme Winery in New Marlborough will be the featured winery of the evening, showcasing their French-American hybrid grapes that have been handcrafted into their own Cayuga White, Marechal Foch, Julia's Ruby Red, Shiraz-Cabernet, Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Berkshire Red, Kiyo's Sparkling Wine and a "special" Nick Jackson Blush. The winery describes their Cayuga White as an off-dry white with a surprising apple and pear aroma, while its Marechal Foch is a light red table wine, and its Julia's Ruby Red is a blend of Shiraz, Centurion and Foch. Its Berkshire Red offering is a dry red wine that is perfect for the region's warm days and chilly evenings.
Chocolate morsels will also be among the tasty tidbits throughout the evening, complements of Chocolate Works.
"When it comes to indulging in two guilty pleasures, you might as well indulge in both at once," said Erika Noble, owner of Chocolate Works. "Mixing wine with chocolate might not be the first thing on your mind, but it can certainly be a rewarding combination. When selecting the perfect wine to go with chocolate, it is a good idea to find a wine that fits the chocolate you are serving."
Noble added that milk chocolate is best paired with a sweeter dessert wine, and dark chocolate is best paired with a more full-bodied wine. She will feature milk, dark and white chocolate blocks so patrons can sample the pairings with the wine.
"We are thrilled this year to welcome Chocolate Works," said Mackey. "Erika Noble will showcase her fine dark, milk and white chocolates in the form of blocks that guests break apart with a chisel."
Restaurants are also an integral part of the festive affair and include Buon Appetito Ristorante, Piccolo's Ristorante and the Runway Restaurant and Lounge, all of Westfield; Cerrato's Pastry Shop and Pintu's Indian Restaurant, both in West Springfield; and Pasticceria Italia in Southwick. Schermerhorn's in Holyoke will also be donating 10 pounds of lobster for the event, according to Mackey.
In addition to the tastings, an auction is planned with prizes donated by local businesses and artisans. There will also be a raffle of door prizes offering 10 bottles of wine.
Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased by calling Genesis at 562-3627.
