For 19 years, WUFT-FM Classic 89, WJUF-FM Nature Coast 90, and The Wine & Cheese Gallery have sponsored an annual wine tasting and auction. Last year, almost 700 guests from across the Southeast traveled to Gainesville to experience the international flavor of wine tasting, which featured more than 250 wines from vineyards around the world including those of the United States, France, Germany, Italy, South America and Australia. Along with the tasting, guests sampled gourmet delicacies and delights to compare wines with foods and determine the perfect pairing.

A silent auction runs during the event followed by a live auction. Past auctioneers included Patrick Meade from Christies, Simon Lambert from the Chicago Wine Company and Ken Collura, Wine Director/Sommelier of El Monte Sagrado Resort in Taos, New Mexico. Michael Roberts, of Vintage Wine Cellars in Tampa will oversee the 2008 event. Auction items included special wines, wine accessories, art, weekend get-a-way packages and dinner packages at area eating establishments.

The evening prior to the auction/tasting, a Winemakers’ Dinner is held to showcase wines from distinguished wineries. Past wineries include Deloach Vineyards, Murphe-Goode Estate Winery, Kenwood Vineyards, Alexander Valley Vineyards and Lolonis Winery to name a few. The featured restaurant designs a gastronomic feast pairing wines with specific foods for the ultimate dining experience.

All proceeds from the dinner and auction benefit public radio stations WUFT-FM, Classic 89 and WJUF-FM, Nature Coast 90.