March of Wines

One of the things I enjoy the most about the holidays are the drinking and merriment. Great wine and great friends. The warm and fuzzy feeling of joy you get when you participate in something fun that is simultaneously helping others. Such is the March of Wines event presented by the Mount Dora Lodging Association.

To raise funds for the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots campaign, the Mount Dora Lodging Association will present the Second Annual March of Wines on Sunday, December 14, 2008 from 5 to 9 pm, in downtown Mount Dora. The progressive holiday wine tasting will tour five festively-adorned inns, including the Heron Cay, Farnsworth House, Captain's Inn, Adora Inn, and Tremain Street Cottages.

The spirit of the holidays begins as Christmas carolers from the Warren Acting Company greet guests boarding an old-fashioned trolley. Arriving at the inns, guests will sample a selection of regional wines provided by The Wine Den, The Cellars at Maggie's Attic, and Wine Cellars of Mount Dora. Showcased wines will be paired with select finger foods and desserts prepared by the Goblin Market, Frosty Mug, 5th Avenue Café, One Flight Up, and Saucy Spoon Catering. Wrapping up the tour, Victorian-costumed carolers from the First Presbyterian Church will entertain with songs of the season.

Many guests will leave for home carrying their own Christmas gifts courtesy of Mount Dora merchants, restaurateurs, and innkeepers who are donating exclusive raffle items such as bed and breakfast gift certificates, decorated gift baskets, complimentary dinners, wine packages, salon treatments and more.

"Last year's event was a big hit," says John Cataldo, president of the Mount Dora Lodging Association. “Not only was it a sellout, we filled two SUV's with toys and donated a $1,000 in cash. This year with more Inns participating we're hoping to contribute even more to Toys for Tots.”

Tickets for the 'March of Wines' holiday tour are $50 per person and limited seating is available. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy donation for Toys for Tots. For more information and to reserve your seat now, contact the Adora Inn at (352) 735-3110.