Published: November 06, 2009 11:43 pm      

Wine tasting fills stage at Paramount

5th annual Grape Expectations fundraiser for Ashland theater

ASHLAND — A stage filled with those who came to share samples of wine from around the world talked about business deals, favorite bourbons, golf courses, fashion trends and the Christmas wish-lists of children and grandchildren during the 5th annual Grape Expectations event at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland.

“It is a social gathering and it is a chance to meet and greet, but most importantly it is a fundraiser for the Paramount — which is an integral part of this community,” said Chris Quinn.

Drinking bottled water while pouring generous samples of wine for anyone with an empty glass, organizer David Ross of Carter Avenue Beverage Center said the event began as a simple idea and blossomed with the assistance of co-founder John Gallaher.

“It is a gift to the community really,” Ross said, crediting the contributions of distributors Southern Wine & Spirits as well as Republic National Distributing. Ross said the evening’s wine selections ranged from California chardonnay and Napa Valley cabernet to wines created in Spain, Italy and Australia. The distributors also contributed quality items for the evening’s silent auction, Ross said, indicating his own interest in a V.I.P. tour of the Woodford Reserve distillery.

The silent auction also included rare magnum bottles of sparkling wines which “make really nice displays or gifts,” Ross said.

Paramount Arts Center Executive Director Kathy Setterman said the Grape Expectations event is a tremendous benefit to the theater, and serves as a community gathering of friends. The evening is sponsored entirely by outside organizations and individuals, Setterman said, allowing the arts center to collect a healthy amount of funds.

“It has really been helpful to us, especially in these difficult economic times,” Setterman said.