West Virginia Wine Events This Summer

Below are a couple of worthy wine events around West Virginia this summer that combine vino and victuals.

THURSDAY, JULY 19: "Wine and Roses"

Join me and about 100 other thirsty wine lovers at the third annual Roark-Sullivan Lifeways Center (RSLC) Wine and Roses event. Wine and Roses will be held indoors at the Capitol Market from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 19. Partnering with RSLC is the Capitol Market, Soho's and the Wine Shop at Capitol Market.

I'll be selecting a whole passel of wines which are once again being donated by area Wine Distributors. If you find something you like, you can purchase it immediately from the nice folks at the Wine Shop. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. You can call RSLC at 304/414-0109 and give them your credit card or send a check to: RSLC, P.O. Box 8957, South Charleston, WV, 25303

As a board member of RSLC, I can tell you this is a special organization with a great group of dedicated employees and volunteers. The Center assists individuals experiencing homelessness with services that help them become self-reliant. RSLC operates the 60-bed Giltinan Center on Leon Sullivan Way (formerly the Charleston Men's Emergency Shelter) and the 16-bed Twin Cities Center in St. Albans and provides comprehensive services such as healthcare maintenance, substance abuse and mental health assistance, outreach, and transitional and aftercare services.

Come out and sip for a good cause.

JULY 27-29: Taste of the Mountains Food, Wine & Jazz Festival

Travel up to Snowshoe in late July, take in the cool mountain air and partake of great wine, food and music. This decadent weekend (July 27-29) offers wine tastings, amazing food and live jazz entertainment. I've attended a couple of these festivals in past years and can tell you it's a whole lot of fun. Bring your palate ready to taste some of the area's finest foods complimented by wines from around the world. Here's the schedule:

Friday, July 27Noon - 1 p.m.: Wine Seminar: Red 101
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Wine Seminar: White 101
8 - 11 p.m.: Dessert & Champagne Reception
9:30 p.m.: Movie Series in Village

Saturday, July 282 to 6 p.m.: Grand Tasting Event with live entertainment
9 to 11 p.m.: Saturday Night's Main Concert

Sunday, July 2910 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Brunch; Junction

COST: Wine & Jazz Tasting Package: Includes Grand Tasting, Saturday Night's Main Concert and Sunday Brunch, $115 + tax . Individual events costs $25, $45 and $80. Call Snowshoe for more information: 1-877-441-4336