The Event Center Downtown garnished its courtyard with candles, white tablecloths and hors d'oeuvres to open the Wine Tasting by International event Sept. 30.
The wine tasting caught the attention of visitors, who were able to sample six varieties of wine--while snacking on cheese, shrimp and other hors d'oeuvres--for only $15.
Those not interested in the wine could access the full bar and also enjoy the hors d'oeuvres for $5.
The wine tasting began in the courtyard at 6 p.m., with music playing in the background as guests tried their sample-sized wines, and ended about 8 p.m.
"About every three to four weeks, we will host a wine tasting," said Lisa Beck, owner of the Event Center. "We had a big beer fest not long ago, and that was a big success."
Gus Clark, of Fine Wine and Beer by Gus, poured wine for guests and spoke along with Jim Sikes, owner of Jimmy's Restaurant, about the kinds of wine offered.
"It's been rewarding, actually, for myself," Clark said. "I've watched the crowds grow each time."
Sikes sells some of the wines tasted at the Event Center in his restaurant in Opelika.
"There are three whites and three reds," Sikes said. "There's a Sauvignon Blanc from California from the Honig Winery; and then there's a blend of Sauvignon Blanc that's an Argentinean wine; and there's a French white wine as well."
The three other samples were red wines from Spain, Chile and California.
The wines had an alcohol content between 9.5 and 14 percent and were served in small sampling glasses.
"The main thing that many people were impressed with was the wines that were offered," said Dale Downing, manager of the Event Center.
Many couples attended to support Beck and enjoy the tasting.
Other guests included members of the community who were intrigued by the event.
"I'm on the mailing list for the Event Center, and so I've just been hearing about them for a while through their newsletter, and I'm on their Facebook page too," said attendee Carrie Holzmeister.
Holzmeister and her friend Laura Bank said they enjoyed the first wine out of the six they sampled--the Honig Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, Calif.
Beck said she and her group have been encouraged by the interest various groups and guests have had in their business after only a few months, even with little exposure to the community.
"We're going to have some more beer tastings, and all sorts of open-to-the-public events and private events," she said.
The Event Center has hosted about 22 private events in less than two months. It is designed to host events ranging from wine tastings and Greek events to weddings and live concerts.
It keeps its website updated with upcoming events for the public.
"There's nothing like this here, and there's nothing like this in Auburn," Beck said. "This is truly one-of-a-kind."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
