Islamorada’s Wine on the Water Nov 14-15
November 8th, 2009
Islamorada, Florida Keys – Sun, warm sand and sea breezes swirl together with the sumptuous taste of fine wines, beers and spirits during Islamorada’s second annual Wine on the Water, set for Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15.
Open to the wine and beer-loving public, the event is to be staged at the Islander Resort, mile marker (MM) 82.1 oceanside, and presented by the Upper Keys Rotary Club. The weekend is to feature wines from around the world, including Spain, Germany, Austria, France, Argentina and Chile, as well as domestic favorites from Washington, California and more.
Event highlights include a Vintner’s Dinner set for Saturday, Nov. 14, featuring Nashville chef Freddy Brooker and vintner Rudy von Strasser of von Strasser Winery in Calistoga, Calif. The event, featuring a live auction, is to be held at a private oceanfront estate on the Old Highway in Islamorada.
Tickets are $150 per person and advance reservations are required. Wine lovers are encouraged to book early, since a sellout is expected.
A Bloody Mary Contest is scheduled Sunday, Nov. 15, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the spicy cocktail. The flavorful festivities are to take place at the Hampton Inn/Outback Restaurant in Islamorada, MM 80 oceanside, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Participants can enter a favorite recipe for $25. Up to $1,000 in prize money is to be awarded by a panel of local celebrity judges in three categories: Grand Champion, Crowd Favorite and “Best Looking” Bloody Mary.
Families are welcome to attend and watch the event. Brunch will be available and attendees can swim at the property’s pool.
Also Sunday, the Grand Tasting on the Beach is to be held at the Islander Resort. Attendees are invited to stroll the ocean’s edge and taste nearly 50 wineries’ featured vintages.
The afternoon beach event is set for 1-5 p.m. with admission priced at $45 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance or the day of the event at the Islander Resort on the beach. Advance reservations are not required.
Sunday’s evening hours bring a Beer Tasting Event and Shrimp Boil — a perfect way to end the day with great food, local music and a bonfire. Advance reservations are required, with tickets priced at $50 per person.
All-inclusive tickets for all Saturday and Sunday events can be purchased for $230 per person. An all-inclusive ticket for Sunday only is $80 per person.
Event proceeds support college scholarships for young people in the Upper Keys and Upper Keys youth athletic programs.
To learn more about Wine on the Water or to purchase tickets, contact Bette Brown at (305) 394-0722 or Kelli Brower at (305) 240-0573, or visit www.wineonthewater.org.
For information about special rates for the event at The Islander Resort, call (866) 679-7192 or visit www.islanderfloridakeys.com.
For other area accommodations, explore the official Web site of the Florida Keys & Key West at www.fla-keys.com.
