Wine down with Grape Expectations

Allen Brewer
Western Herald

Wine tastings are known for providing an accessible way for amateurs to break into the challenging world of wines.
On Feb. 27, the Radisson Plaza Hotel and the Volunteer Center of Greater Kalamazoo will host a wine tasting, featuring live music, food, wine and a chance to discuss wine culture with knowledgeable enthusiasts at a fund-raiser, Grape Expectations, and premiere event, Celebrazione di Vino.

(Photos by Heather Holland / Western Herald) The Radisson is hosting a wine tasting on Feb. 27. The event, Grape Expectations, will raise funds for the Volunteer Center of Greater Kalamazoo and feature foods from 15 local restaurants.

For the past three years, the Volunteer Center of Greater Kalamazoo has raised funds for their programs by hostng a wine tasting event where  unique wines are paired with delicious food from 15 local restaurants.

Ann MacCreery, program and development director for the Volunteer Center, said that Grape Expectations intends to raise funds in a fun way.

“It’s a really good way to raise money for a good cause,” she said. “And it’s grown every year.”

This will be the fourth year in a row for Grape Expectations and this year’s focus will be on Italian wines.
Around six different wine experts will be in attendance at the event, including local store-owner Saad Mandwee.

Mandwee, co-owner and wine consultant of Tiffany’s Wine & Spirit Shoppe, picked the Italian theme in addition to upwards of 50 wines that will be available. Mandwee, who will be participating in the Volunteer Center’s event for the third time, said that although last year’s 300-some headcount was good, this year should be better.

“It’ll be in the Radisson with a good environment,” he said. “Hopefully we can raise more money.”

For Mandwee, choosing the wines was less about personal fulfillment and more about what the attendees would enjoy.

“When I choose wine, I don’t choose for myself, I choose for everyone else,” he said. “A little bit of everything.”

Recently, Mandwee has noticed a rise in the popularity of wine.

“People are drinking wine more than ever,” he said. “There’s a lot of interest.”

The Volunteer Center of Kalamazoo sets volunteers up with non-profit organizations that are looking for helpers based on their skill sets and individual interests.
In addition to the main Grape Expectations event, there will be a “premiere engagement,” called Celebrazione di Vino. Mandwee will team up with John Korycki, executive chef at Zazios, to present a multi-course Italian meal from three different regions paired with 10 wines. They will provide their own expertise by giving tips on which wines taste best with what food.

Celebrazione di Vino will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Radisson on Friday. Grape Expectations will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 10 p.m.
Tickets for Grape Expectations are $50 per person while tickets for Celebrazione di Vino are $150 per person, which includes admission to Grape Expectations.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Feb 26 2009. Filed under Weekend Scene. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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