A Night of Wine and Music

It doesn’t take much of an excuse for me to say yes to getting spruced up, hanging out with my BFFs, and drinking wine. Last night several of my girlfriends and I made it a girls night out and attended The Fresh Market Wine Gala. This is an annual ticketed event that helps support the Athens Symphony Orchestra. This was also a great opportunity to do some research for my next book, Unexpected Places, set in the wine region of the North Georgia Mountains.

Each of us armed with our wine glass, a pamphlet explaining the different wines, and an appetite for adventure, we meandered our way through the maze of strategically placed tasting tables. Like kids in a candy store, we sampled sparkling whites, Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlots, and Cabernet. There were a delectable array of goodies provided by The Fresh Market to help enhance the flavors of the wines. We enjoyed wines with names like Prosecco, Av Zin, Cashmere and Flight Song.

The ambiance of the event was light and casual with the sound of live music performed by the Athens Symphony. The hosts were gracious and cordial. Several often stopped to carry a friendly conversation with us. By the end of the evening, I had gathered enough research to add to my growing file for Unexpected Places. One of the things that I love about Athens is its cultural element. Last night provided a great opportunity to hang-out with the girls, share some laughs and chick talk, educate my novice wine palette, and support the Athens Symphony.