17th annual wine festival today

The Community Counseling Center Foundation is hosting its 17th annual Community Benefit Wine Festival today at 6 p.m. with an expected crowd of more than 400 people at the Bavarian Halle in Fruitland.

Director of fund development Mary Burton said ticket holders will receive a complimentary wineglass -- which is "real glass" -- with their admission. They'll also be able to sample more than 40 wines from the area's top wineries and distributors. In addition, she said there will be "lots of wonderful food" -- all covered by the admission price.

Attendees will be musically entertained by The Real Deal.

"There's also wine for purchase, so they can sample and make a selection of their favorite wine," Burton said, "then buy some to take home or to open and drink with friends at their table."

She said proceeds from the wine sales also benefit the organization, along with a wine pool that ticket holders can pay $10 to partake.

"Everybody wins because no bottle is going to have less than a $15 value," she said. "We have wine that is up to $150 in value there."

According to Burton there are 16 local restaurants providing food for the event, including Tractors, Lacy's on the Hill and Pizza Hut.

"We live in an area where the individuals and businesses are incredibly generous," she said.

There would also be a variety of food from fruits and cheeses, hors d'Âœuvres, barbecue and "lots of dessert" with a "mixture of everything," she said.

"Even if people don't want to sample wines, the music and the food are well worth the price of admission, and we have other beverages available, free of charge," she said.

The CCC has more than 400 employees, serving five counties with full services, she said.

Burton said the Community Counseling Center serves children and senior citizens in the community, including many who depend on Medicaid. The organization exists to provide the underwriting so they can be served, she said, providing for items beyond the "normal budget" such as clothing and shoes, as well as paying for outings, therapeutic games and celebration cakes when compliance is met.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door and may be purchased at Primo Vino, Bavarian Halle and online at eventbrite.com.

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632

Pertinent address:

Bavarian Halle

225 Drury Lane, Jackson MO