Wine testing new to Calypso Auction

LEWISPORTE - This year's Calypso Auction will start off with a little sipping, wine sipping that is.

As part of this year's auction, it was decided to include a wine tasting prior to the start of the auction itself. Patrons of the auction will have the option, if they choose to sample a variety of wines for a nominal fee.

Deatra Walsh is the president of the Calypso Board of Directors and along with former board president Mike Pearce, they have been busy planning this part of the auction events.

"When we met initially and talked about this year's auction and got together with the board and the manager we thought what is something new we can do?," said Ms. Walsh. "We are always looking at ways to improve it, things we can do differently, little additions, more attractions or different types of attractions for people."

"We're just trying to add another component to the auction itself, something new," added Mr. Pearce, "At the same time some of us have a genuine interest in wine and wine tasting and we are just trying to expose people to some various wines."

Ms. Walsh said that as someone who enjoys wine, and with statistics showing that more people are drinking wine, either homemade or store bought, she thought a wine tasting would be a great addition to the auction events.

"I floated the idea around with a couple of people and it was well received," she said.

With the auction being a fun evening and a charity event, Ms. Walsh said it is just one more way to add to the gala feel of the event. Wine tasting events are becoming increasingly popular in larger centers and Mr. Pearce said there hasn't been an event of this type in this area.

"This is an opportunity for individuals who are coming to the auction to be able to sample a variety of reds and whites which they would not normally purchase themselves and hopefully they will get a nice exposure to some different wines," said Mr. Pearce.

Before the start of the live auction, the wine tasting will be done in a designated area. For $5 they will be able to taste an assortment of different wines as well as breads and cheeses.

"We are looking at a variety of wines, both reds and whites, reasonably priced wines, nothing outrageous, from across the world," said Ms. Walsh.

"We're looking at showcasing a variety of different types from different countries so that people can get a sense of what's out there, what they can buy, what it tastes like and do some comparisons."

Based on how this event works this year, Ms. Walsh said it is something Calypso may look at making a regular part of the auction.

The Calypso Auction is scheduled for May 9 at the Kinsmen Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the auction starting at 7 p.m. The wine tasting will be taking place from 6:30-7 p.m. Tickets for the auction are available at the Calypso building.