Last weekend, I was invited out to cover Wine Wars – an innovative fundraising event featuring a wine tasting competition, gourmet food vendors, live DJ, pop-up golf simulator, and lots of fun! With each event benefitting a different local nonprofit organization, this month’s competition supported the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida.
Having learned about this incredibly creative fundraising effort right before the April 2022 event, I was thrilled to be invited back. Thank you, Wine Wars, for having me out!
How Does Wine Wars Work?
Before we can really get into the actual experience of Wine Wars, it’s important to understand exactly how the wine tasting competition and event itinerary operates:
Step 1: Forming A Team
Wine Wars participants compete in teams of 1-3 people. Each individual must register on the event’s website and pay a registration fee.
Step 2: Bring the Right Wine
Each Wine Wars event is focused on a specific variety of wine. (For example, Orlando’s April 2023 competition featured red wines) Teams are required to bring three bottles of the same brand and type. Two will be utilized for competition tasting while one is saved for the evening’s Grand Prize!
Step 3: Have Fun!
After registering and turning in their wine bottles, it’s time to party! Teams will travel around the venue, tasting various numbered and unidentified bottles of wine. Contestants are encouraged to take notes as they taste so they can eventually vote for their most and least favorite entries.
Between sips, teams can enjoy a photo booth, dance floor, pop-up golf simulator, and delicious food vendors!
Step 4: Vote and Be Judged
At the end of the night, it’s time for each player to vote for the best and worst drinks. The winning team will take home the Grand Prize – up to 150 bottles of amazing wine! The losing team will receive the “priviledge” of taking their leftover wine home with them.
The Wine Wars Experience
Now that you understand the logistics, let’s discuss the experience! Wine Wars is definitely a unique event – unlike any other fundraiser I’ve seen – and there’s the potential to raise a good bit of money for local causes. While I can’t drink due to medical issues (and was therefore unable to participate in the wine tasting competition), I still got to enjoy all of the fun atmosphere and amenities at the event!
The Atmosphere!
Wine Wars is an outdoor event with an upscale atmosphere. Taking place at the Veranda at Thornton Park, the event grounds included huge trees, festive lighting, tents for shade, and a dance floor for when the party really gets started! The restored 20th century homes surrounding the property only added to the elegance and swanky ambience.
The Wine Tasting!
The centerpiece of the event was, of course, the wine tasting competition! Each tent had its own large table area with multiple wines encased in burlap bags (to protect anonymity). Pouring their own glasses, competitors traveled around the venue, sipping each wine choice and making notes on their favorite varieties.
The Food!
As a complement to all the delicious drinks, contestants could purchase refreshments from three local food vendors.
Gourmet Grazing
Offering both pork-based meat and assorted cheese charcuterie plates, Gourmet Grazing sold delicious appetizers for both vegetarians and meat eaters!
If you’re interested in ordering your own box or learning about their future events, follow Gourmet Grazing on Instagram!
Teal Kitchen
For something a little more filling, the Teal Kitchen offered seafood, pasta, chicken wings, and homemade sides. See pictures of their menu and find out more about this local kitchen at tealkitchenorlando.com.
Daisy Delights
Don’t forget dessert! Local cake artist, Daisy Delights, brought a selection of cupcakes, macaroons, and sugar cookies. You can learn more about her beautiful occasion cakes and other desserts by following Daisy Delights on Instagram or checking out their website!
The Party!
In addition to all the fabulous wine and food, event participants enjoyed a photo booth, live DJ, and pop-up golf simulator! Attendees had over three hours to socialize, network, and enjoy all Wine Wars has to offer.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida
At its core, Wine Wars is a fundraiser – donating a portion of each event’s proceeds to a local nonprofit. This month’s charity, the Ronald McDonald House, is focused on providing vital services (like temporary accommodations) to families with hospitalized children. The Ronald McDonald House relies on the generosity of local donors and volunteers. Visit their website to find out how you can help!
Freaky Thoughts: Wine Wars
What a fun, creative way to support an important cause while enjoying an unforgettable evening. I had a great time taking in the party-like atmosphere and awesome vendors. If you’re a wine fan, don’t miss this opportunity to drink delicious wine, devour yummy food, and dance the night away!
Visit the Wine Wars website for the latest updates, and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram and Facebook!
