The sun shined brightly on Saturday’s Rotary Wine & Cheese Tasting

The rotunda at My Old Kentucky Home State Park was the new location for the Bardstown Rotary Club’s Wine & Cheese Tasting event Saturday, June 3. Photo courtesy of the Bardstown Rotary Club.

By SYLVIA HORLANDER
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio

Monday, June 5, 2017 — It was an enchanted evening of fine wines for locals and out-of-towners to sip and savor for charity.

The 42nd annual Wine and Cheese Tasting Festival, presented by The Bardstown Rotary Club, was held Saturday night in a new location this year: the rotunda at My Old Kentucky Home State Park.

Frances Smith, who chaired the tasting, said she was most excited about the new location.

“It is so beautiful out here with the wide open spaces,” she said of the event’s new location.

The new location also drew a large crowd of more than 650 people.

“It was a lot to prepare for, and it helps that we’ve got such a great group of people,” she said. “We’re happy the tasting is upon us!”

Smith was recently named the Bardstown Rotary Club’s new President.

Rotarian Alyson Claywell Roby said it was different to prepare for this year’s wine tasting.

“It took us a little while to get our bearings, but once we figured out where everything was going, it was smooth sailing.”

The wooded area under the sun and stars added more ambiance to the event, she said. “We have more space, more trees, and more seating with the benches all around.”

Guests had the opportunity to sample more than 40 wines, from Port Desert Wine and Riesling to Cabernet and Chardonnay. Fresh fruits, crackers, and cheese from Kenny’s Cheese in Kentucky were spread out under the rotunda to be enjoyed with their wine.

The social event benefits the Bardstown Rotary Club, Historic Spalding Hall, the American Heart Association, as well as other local charities. Over the event’s 42-year history, $450,000 have been distributed to the local community. Proceeds come from ticket prices as well as silent and live auction items sold during the event.

Smith and Roby both expressed their appreciation to their fellow Rotarians, the volunteers, and everyone who attended.

-30-