On Thursday (Nov. 22), the Squamish-Whistler Wine Club hosted its first fundraiser at the Rock Bar and Grill Restaurant and by all accounts it was a sellout success. Organized by parents of Squamish Elementary School Grade 5 French Immersion students, the money raised will ensure that every student can attend a three-day outdoor education program at the North Vancouver Outdoor School in January.
My wife and I have been to a number of tasting events in the past, but I had no idea there would be such a wide selection of wines and beers paired with so many tasty appetizers to try, said parent Richard Zimmer. Not only did we discover some fantastic new wines and beers, we also had a great time.
Wine and beer companies from Squamish and the Lower Mainland presented more than 40 different types of wines and aperitifs as well as more than a dozen different beers. Rock Bar and Grill head chef Diana Johnston served up nine different appetizers for pairing; everything from chicken wings and dry ribs to taste with beer to smoked salmon canapés and bison sausages with a variety of dips for pairing with the large selection of wines. More than 150 people were on hand to enjoy the celebration.
Live music, provided by the Blinking Fish, got the crowd dancing on the large, heated patio outside.
I was really impressed with the number of people that came out to support this fundraiser, parent and volunteer Sherri Muir said. This will definitely be one to remember. I'm already looking forward to next year's event.
Stu Brazier and wife Brita, who drove from West Vancouver for the event, were just as enthusiastic. It feels good to help raise money for a good cause and what better cause is there than children's education, Brazier said. Getting to taste some new wines and having a great time in the process was a bonus! Matt [Blackman] certainly went to town organizing this event.
Parents and organizers would like to thank the many wine and beer representatives that made it all possible including Peacock and Martin, New World Wines, Burrows Luongo, Christopher Martin, Constellation Brands, the Howe Sound Brewery and Driftwood Brewery. A big thanks also to those who donated items for the silent auction and door prizes including Escape Route, Grand Villa Hotel and Casino, Executive Suites, The Sandman, Best Western, Rona, Home Depot, Random, Scotties Liquor Store, Squamish Liquor Store, Lucas Teas and Annabelle's.
If you'd like more information about upcoming events or to learn more about the Squamish-Whistler Wine Club, please email Matt Blackman at [email protected].
