TORRINGTON – Connoisseurs and casual sippers alike will gather at the annual Torrington Rotary Club Wine Tasting Gala – now in its 16th year – Friday for “A Wee Bit Winey”.
The St. Patrick’s Day-themed event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Goshen County Fairgrounds Rendezvous Center and includes hors d’oeuvres and a wide variety of wine samples to satisfy all inclinations.
“Last year, we had wine-infused ice cream, and we’re bringing that back this year,” Rotary member Tom Kelly said. “We’ll have 10 different flavors, and 30 pints to raffle off … and we’ll be sampling some.”
The Torrington Rotary Satellite Group, which meets separately from the club and specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness, acquired the ice cream from New York, and will sell raffle tickets for the pints – one for $5 or five for $20 – at the event.

As in year’s past, the gala will also feature silent and live auctions, as well as a reverse raffle with a grand prize of $2,500. Other select tickets will earn cash rewards, as well. Reverse raffle tickets cost $50 apiece and usually sell out prior to the gala, according to an event coordinator.
“There will be nine different (wine) vendors from across the state,” Kelly said. “We’ll also have beer.”
In keeping with the Irish theme, Rotary members plan to dress in green for the event.
Proceeds from the gala will benefit worldwide polio eradication and other humanitarian efforts. Proceeds from previous wine tasting events have resulted in donations to after-prom parties, scholarships for area students, community safe houses, various clubs and organizations, and more.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the door or by contacting Joe Guth at (307) 532-2111 or any Rotary Club member. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age.
Torrington Rotary Club is currently under the leadership of President Ed Wright and President-elect Wally Wolski.