Sipping wine for a good cause
Photos by MANDI BATEMAN Jennifer English serves Angie Villelli, Marie Villelli, and Brandy Thiel at Heart Rock Wines during the Kootenai River Days Rotary Wine Walk.
The participants had a choice of wine or the 14 beers on tap at Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill.
Snacks were offered at each of the locations, like this antipasto plate at Heart Rock Wines.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Serving people during the Wine Walk at Goat Mountain Pizzeria.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN People met up at the park behind the museum where they received custom glasses.
BONNERS FERRY — More than 50 people turned out to sip wine at local establishments around town on July 19. The Rotary Wine Walk was part of Kootenai River Days and the proceeds went to the Rotary Club of Bonners Ferry.
“All the things that the Rotary does is a fundraiser for the local community or for Rotary International. We focus primarily here locally. We raise money for scholarships, for community support — like cancer support services,” said Rotary President Elect Kristie Campbell. “Primarily education is a big deal for our club.”
The Kootenai River Brewing Company, Under The Sun, Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill, Heart Rock Wines, Kootenai River Inn, and Goat Mountain Pizzeria all prepared wine, beer, and snacks for the participants.
The wine walk had support from Odom Southern Wine and Spirits and Vinyl Expressions provided the individual cups for everyone.
“We are very grateful to them for that,” Campbell said.
“It is down a little bit but it is still a nice fun time, and we are grateful for all the participants, our vendors, and everybody who helps us do it,” said co-organizer Glenda Poston. “The end result is still the kids.”
The businesses welcomed the wine walkers, not just with wine, but with knowledge about the products, and snacks as well. This was the fourth year that Heart Rock Wines participated.
“I love the vibrancy; love to see people that you don’t get to see all year round,” said Lillian Lonborg, owner of Heart Rock Wines.
Danielle Reasoner and her daughter had the banquet room of their restaurant, Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill, set up for the wine walkers, offering chicken quesadillas and wings for a snack.
“We are offering Canyon Road Moscato from California, and Sagelands Merlot from Columbia Valley, Washington. We also have 14 beers on tap,” said Brianna Reasoner. “I am having a great time.”
Julie Rosengrant was experiencing the wine walk for the first time.
“I love it. It’s fun,” she said. “I like walking around and getting to visit with everyone.”
Whether they were sipping wine, or walking from restaurant to restaurant in the evening sun, the smiles and happy chatter were evidence of the good time that was had by all.
Dave Gray lounged outside of Under the Sun, taking a leisurely break.
“It is a lovely evening with good friends and good beverages,” Gray said. “Rotary is a great organization, and they do an outstanding uptown, downtown wine walk, and we are glad to support the Rotary.”