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Rotary Wine Extravaganza Fundraiser Slated This Saturday
Wine Extrav
Nichole and Kevin Weber of Elk Grove receive a pour of Twomey Pinot Noir from Jeff Raines at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club at a previous Wine Extravaganza. This year over 140 wines from more than 60 wineries will be on hand pouring at the Sept. 10 event. Leader File Photo

The Seventh Annual Wine Extravaganza, hosted by the Oakdale Rotary Club in conjunction with the Oakdale Golf and Country Club, is slated for Saturday, Sept. 10 beginning at 6 p.m. at the OGCC grounds.

The wine tasting event is a popular affair for wine aficionados in the area. According to OGCC General Manager and Rotary Wine Extravaganza chairman Rick Schultz, over 140 wines from at least 60 wineries will be featured in the pouring, including popular varietals from Rombauer, Wente, Sterling, Frank Family Vineyards, and Stag’s Leap. Other vineyards will also be there with a wide selection being offered.

New to the extravaganza this year will also be beer samplings.

“Some of our wine distributors are also doing beer, so we’re going to take advantage of that,” Schultz said.

Country Club Executive Chef Dan Quint will host two carving stations, one featuring a roast beef with garlic and wine mashed potatoes entre and the other with turkey micro sandwiches with cranberries and dressing. A pasta bar is also planned along with fruit and cheese hors d’oeuvres.

Schultz said all the wine being tasted can be purchased that evening at 10 percent above wholesale prices.

“It’s a good occasion to team up with others to get a good deal on wine,” Schultz said. “It’s a great time to stock up for parties, holidays or gifts with the opportunity to get your wine at a reduced price.”

This year’s proceeds will be split between the Children’s Guardian Home and Oakdale Educational Foundation.

In the past, Oakdale Rotary has contributed to rebuild the roof at the Oakdale Museum, donated funds to the play park, helped with the gazebo refurbishing at Wood Park and provided funds to the Oakdale High School Music and Drama departments.

Oakdale Rotary also uses its proceeds toward various community projects.

“We’ve given $10,000 a year to charitable organizations in the community,” Schultz said. “Anything we make off this event goes to charity.”

Music will be different this year with no live ban; instead, there will be soft tunes in the background.

“With less tickets being sold and softer music, it allows for a more intimate affair,” Schultz said. “People will be able to move around easier and associate with one another better.”

There will be door prizes and a raffle with $1,000 given away in increments of $500, $300, and $200. A live auction featuring several unique wining and dining events is planned, and it will also include some vacation stays.

Tickets for the extravaganza are $50 and will be available at the door.