CRESTVIEW — Following tradition, the fifth annual Moonlight and Melodies Wine Gala, having grown in scale and attendance, takes participants to a new venue.
This year, the evening of wine tastings, gourmet food and live music will take place at the original Bob Sikes Library, now the Northwest Florida State College Crestview campus in Twin Hills Park.
With the theme “A Taste of France,” the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce-organized event also gives a nod to Crestview’s Sister Cities International relationship with Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile.
“The focus is wine and food,” gala committee chairperson Rachel Neighbors, of North Okaloosa Medical Center, said.
Among other tweaks, music will be by local musicians or small groups, and the food will be the work of a single caterer rather than multiple restaurants offering samples.
“That’s why the first one was so successful,” chamber office manager Valerie Lott said. “Mary (Richard, of A Grand Elegance) knew what wines we had and could plan the food to complement them.”
“We’re going back to the grassroots of what a wine tasting is,” chamber President Alicia Booker said.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Annual Moonlight and Melodies Wine Gala: A Taste of France
WHEN: 6-9 p.m., Nov. 1
WHERE: Northwest Florida State College Bob Sikes Education Center, Twin Hills Park
COST: $40 per person
NOTES: Tickets available at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, 682-3212. Business sponsorships are available, including merchandise or services for the silent auction. Contact the chamber for details.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Wine Gala goes French: Evening of wine tastings, gourmet food set for Nov. 1