Don't miss a 'grape' party

If you're a wine connoisseur or just a winebibber (a person who likes to drink a lot of wine), you won't want to miss the second annual wine-tasting party at the Marco Island Yacht Club to benefit the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce. This year's event is appropriately named The Glory of the Grape and will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 25.

The grape experts who will be pouring the wine and answering guests' questions are Marco Wine Seller owners Jim and Linda Bono and their son, Dan, who is the beverage manager for the Naples Philharmonic. The Bono family co-hosted last year's affair, and because the first one was such a success, look forward to presiding over the tasting again.

Bono, who is a chamber member, said that during season, it's too busy to get together with other residents. He sees the wine-tasting as a chance to see old friends, meet new people and do some networking. He also wants to help with fundraising.

"It's not a huge fundraiser, but more of a fun, social gathering that's inexpensive and open to a lot of people," said Maryann Cofer, administrative coordinator for the chamber. Last year, attendance numbered about 100.

Twenty different wines from 10 different countries will be available for tasting – a red and a white from each nation. The origin countries are France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Austria, the U.S. (California), South Africa and New Zealand. Bono chose wines from his store based on popular labels from countries well known for their products — such as Argentina, Chile and Australia — and others that most tasters haven't tried from more unusual places, such as Austria and South Africa.

"It's an opportunity to try other wines besides chardonnay and merlot," said 11-year resident Jim Bono. "One of the perks of this business is that we try everything we put in the store. We have to know about (each one) in order to educate our customers."

Delegates from the winemakers will also pour at the occasion and will share their knowledge with party-goers. Bono plans to have information sheets available with the names, regions and prices of wines so attendees can keep track of which wines they like and may choose to purchase in the future.

Don't worry – there won't be a fleet of taxicabs waiting to drive the partakers home. The chef at the Marco Island Yacht Club is preparing plenty of edibles to complement the wines. Abundant appetizers characteristic of each country will be served alongside each selection.

"Put it this way: You don't have to worry about eating that day," chuckled Bono, remembering last year's food, which included lamb, shrimp and steak.

"Wine is made to go with food," Bono added. "Wine makes the food taste better and food makes the wine taste better."

A live auction is also planned with surprise guest auctioneers. Packages donated by local businesses will be sold to the highest bidder. (Remember that this is a benefit for the chamber, not only a good time?)

The generous underwriters of The Glory of the Grape will each have their own tables, sponsoring countries they choose. Participants include Advanced Insurance Underwriters, Cedar Bay Marina, Comprehensive Business Solutions, Marco Community Bank, M&I Bank, Marco Island Eagle, Marco Island Liberty Dollar, Marco Office Supply, Orion Bank, Sprint, Taray International and Woodward, Pires & Lombardo.

Tickets cost $60 per person and can be purchased at the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, 1102 N. Collier Blvd. There is limited space, so buy now or you won't be "wining" later. You will be guaranteed a friendly, festive evening and you'll go home with a souvenir wine glass, a head full of information and a belly full of savory food and delightful wines.

For more information, call the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce at 394-7549.

The Marco Wine Seller stocks over 5,000 bottles of wine, including more than 1,000 labels. Prices range from $8 to $300. Owner Jim Bono can special order anything he doesn't have in the store and will offer a 15-percent discount on a case whether it's one label or a mixture — the best deal around, Bono said.

Wine accessories are also available for purchase, such as crystal stemware, bottle stoppers, hand-painted glasses by local artist "Krista" and other unique items, perfect for hostess gifts, birthdays or for yourself. Food items, such as olives, nuts, pate, cookies and truffles are in stock and Bono creates gift baskets ready-made or made to order.

The Bonos offer in-store wine tasting and private tasting in your home or business. Stop in and be amazed at the huge quantity — and quality — of wines and other goodies beautifully arranged in this smallish wine shop.

The Marco Wine Seller is located at 937 N. Collier Blvd. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For information call 389-0100.