NSA Slates Benefit Wine And Beer Tasting

On Saturday October 6, in celebration of its 70th anniversary, the Newtown Scholarship Association (NSA) will host its first annual Harvest Wine & Beer Tasting at Rock Ridge Country Club from 6:30 to 9 pm. This evening of spectacular wine and specialty beers will benefit the NSA, which provides financial assistance to college-bound high school graduates from Newtown.

Guests will be able taste wines from among the world’s best wineries — some will be making their US debut that night — and enjoy hearty hors d’oeuvres provided by Rock Ridge Country Club’s chef. In addition, there will be live and silent auctions, featuring many items.

Featured “stars” of the evening include the wine of Shingleback, from the Mclaren Vale, Australia, the producer of some of Australia’s finest Shiraz. The great wines of Bogle Vineyards, one of California’s best producers, will be available, too, as will the wines of the Wente Vineyards, California’s oldest family-owned winery. The stellar wines of the Michael Davis Winery, Lodi, California’s best producer, will be available for tasting, including 7 Deadly Zinfandel, 7 Heavenly Chards, Sixth Sense Syrah, and the “rare” Earthquake reds, the mysterious Incognito Rouge, and Voignier. Guests can sample Jorge Ordonez’s finest selections from Spain, as well as new vintages from old favorites such as Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon, Beaulileu Vineyards Dulcet, Tapestry, Chalone’s pinot noir, and Acacia’s Chardonnay.

Westport native Kevin Riley’s wines will be showcased, as will Proulx and Blackburn Cellars, some of Paso Robles, Calif.’s, finest wines to date.

A special highlight will be a new selection of wines from the Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto regions of Italy. Big and bold Super Tuscans, soft and supple Chianti, bubbly Prosecco, elegant pinot noir, sweet Moscato, and crisp Orvieto and pinot grigio will delight every palate. In fact, guests that evening will be among the first in the United States to taste many new selections from Italy and Europe.

Wines will be available for purchase at reduced prices, with a portion of all sales benefiting the NSA.

Tickets for the wine tasting are $35 and can be purchased at the following locations: Newtown Savings Bank, Main Street branch; Sandy Hook Wine and Liquors; Taunton Wine & Liquor; Yankee Discount Liquors; Stop & Save Liquors; and Rock Ridge Country Club.

Since its founding 70 years ago, the NSA has awarded well over $2 million in need-based scholarships to college freshmen and continuing students from Newtown. All funds are raised through private donations, corporate contributions, and several major fundraising events throughout the year.