PULLMAN, Wash. — Winefest 2001, featuring 20 Northwest wineries and an Italian buffet, aims to serve a larger audience when it moves to Gladish Community and Cultural Center’s Auditorium for the Nov. 2 wine-tasting gala.
The Sigma Iota student hospitality club of the Hotel and Restaurant Administration Program at Washington State University has made 300 tickets available for each of two sessions that Friday evening: from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and from 8-10 p.m., an increase of 100 from previous sold-out Winefests.
“Winefest is a fun tradition on the Palouse, and we hope that Gladish’s larger facility with plenty of parking will allow more guests than ever to socialize, feast and sample some of the finest wines from the Northwest,” says event co-chair and HRA major Sandy Steiner, a senior from Orting.
Those attending the 18th annual Winefest will receive at least 10 one-ounce servings of red, white and novelty wines and appetizers provided by the Old Spaghetti Factory of Spokane. Food items include lasagna, ravioli and tortellini dishes, veggies, Caesar and antipasto salads, and garlic cheese bread.
Sigma Iota students plan and host the event, help prepare the foods and pour the wines during the evening. The club has more than 75 student members and has been part of the 69-year-old HRA Program at WSU for about five decades.
“This is the year’s major fundraiser for Sigma Iota,” says co-chair and HRA major Carie Millick, a senior from Moscow. “We have used profits from WINEFEST’s in previous years to help fund scholarships, Dad’s and Mom’s Weekend brunches, and a local senior citizens holiday party.”
Tickets are on sale for $25 each. They are available by phoning 208/882-9612 or 509/332-8082 and leaving a message or by sending an e-mail to wsu_winefest@yahoo.com. Wines featured at Winefest will be on sale at the Nov. 2 event by the bottle and case. Only individuals 21 years and older can attend Winefest.
