Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Haixara Owen, Yohamna Marante, Adrita Peter and Sarah Coors Perez, all lovers of fine wine. - Photos by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

Wine connoisseurs '1876 Wines' unveiled an impressive line at the Rotary Club of Montego Bay's fund-raiser last Friday night.

An Italian Cantina Cerquetta, a German Rheinpfalz, French Domaine La Milliere and Argentinian Malbec Shiraz were among the striking array.

The event was literally oversubscribed by a gathering hungry to support children who are severely mentally and physically handicapped, and those orphaned by HIV/AIDS. They converged on The Event Place at Sewell Avenue, making a statement, 'We care'.

Abandoned by their parents, the children who will benefit from the charity are housed at the Mustard Seed Communities Blessed Assurance Village in St James. It was opened a year ago, and is the 2008 project of Rotary president Judith Dear.

Ably assisted by Michelle Daswani, Cheryl Atkinson, Joan Lee, auctioneer Brian Roper and a host of Rotarians, the taste buds were titillated by Adrian Garforth (one of only 242 wine masters worldwide) who guided the tasting of nine different wines from old and new worlds. Owner of 1876 Wines, Paul Hanworth, showed his fascinating knowledge of the industry throughout the evening.

With great wines come great food. Executive chef Robert Joseph and his team stirred the taste buds with an array of dishes.

A cheese station by Frozen Delights Distributors - Jamaica's largest distributors of gourmet cheeses - showcased their range. Meanwhile, a live dessert station by pastry chef Alecia Woodbine-James was home to assorted condiments and sweet delights.

Sweet and savoury cheesecakes by Cherrie Bourne of the Creamery, complemented by Ramsons, Arosa, Best Dressed Chicken and Wisynco, topped the evening.

Paul Hanwerth (left) pours premium Australian wine for Ashok Mulchandani at the Rotary Club of Montego Bay's wine-tasting reception and auction at The Event Place on Friday night.

President of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, Judith Dear (left), is a happy camper as she revels in the success of the club's fund-raiser. Here she speaks with Paula Kerr-Jarrett.

Something seemed to have caught the attention of Lynn Holloway (left) and her friend, Dr Manolina Malenova.

At five months pregnant and looking good, attorney Candace Craig has made her insurance executive husband, William, one of the proudest expectant dads in Jamaica. The two were seen out at the Rotary Club of Montego Bay's wine-tasting fund-raiser at The Event Place last Friday night. - Photos by Janet Silvera

Meghan Staudacher (left) and Velma Robinson are not about to be left out.