Wine Tasting To Benefit Hospital Foundation

Published: October 30, 2003

ATLANTA—More than 300 red and white wines and champagnes from around the world will be ripe for the tasting at the seventh annual Saint Joseph’s WINGS WineFest, to be held Friday, Nov. 14 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at Villa Christina restaurant.

Everyone from novice tasters to sommeliers can enjoy wines from regions including the Italian Alps, the French countryside and the American West.

WineFest is a premier fund-raising event held by Workers Involved in New Growth (WINGS) on behalf of Saint Joseph’s Mercy Foundation. The event includes an impressive silent auction, with more than 300 items available for bid, including works of art, jewelry, sporting events, fine dining, travel packages and home décor.

This year WineFest will also host an exclusive wine tasting with Michael Venezia prior to the start of the event. Venezia has spent the last 20 years in the alcohol beverage industry, educating consumers and industry professionals about wine. He has been called upon frequently to host wine dinners in Atlanta restaurants, clubs and private homes. From sampling and learning about wines in his family’s restaurant business in New York City in the 1960s, to becoming a featured wine expert on CNN and News Radio 640 AM, Venezia has made a career out of his passion for wine.

By popular demand, Saint Joseph’s has partnered with the Georgia Limo Association to offer town cars, limousines and designated drivers for those who don’t wish to drive or for groups attending together.

Since its inception, WineFest has raised over $150,000 to benefit Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services, which offers primary health care, including childhood immunizations, prenatal care, parenting classes and cervical cancer screenings to those in need at numerous clinic sites across five metro Atlanta counties.

WineFest tickets are $50 per person. For information call (404) 851-5711.