Hospital foundation, Picton Rotary fundraiser showcases All Canadian Wine Championship entries

Whether it’s an outstanding bottle not found in the LCBO or one of Prince Edward County’s wines that stood out alongside Canada’s best, there’s something for every oenophile at the Crystal Palace Saturday.

Once again, the Rotary Club of Picton and the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation are partnering with All Canadian Wine Championships director Bev Carnahan to offer samples from competition entries across the country.

“This unique event offers the perfect opportunity for avid wine lovers to sample from hundreds of wines not available through the LCBO,” Carnahan said. “”There is only one bottle of each, so it is really a scavenger hunt for wine lovers.”

Rotarians and volunteers will be pouring at different walk-up stations and introducing guests to different wines, meads, and ciders. Guests will receive 12 tastings for the price of tickets, which are $35 in advance (via the hospital foundation office, www.uncorkcanada.ca, or 613-476-1008 ext. 4503)) or $40 at the door.

The doors are open from 3-6 p.m.

Sponsors Scotiabank Picton, the Picton Elks, and The Waring House have helped to offset costs, allowing the bulk of the proceeds to go toward the hospital and Rotary initiatives within the community.

Local wineries honoured

At this year’s All Canadian Wine Championships, local wineries earned 13 medals.

Sandbanks Estate Winery took five, including a double gold for its Baco Noir Reserve, gold for Sleeping Giant, and three silvers.

Closson Chase also earned a gold for CCV Chardonnay and a bronze.

Hubbs Creek and Huff Estates each had silver medal-winning entries, while Karlo Estates had two bronze entries and Casa Dea Estate Winery and the 401 Cider Brewery one bronze each.