Area residents can behold hundreds of rose blooms while sampling fine wines Saturday at Savannah Rapids Pavilion.
For the second year, the fourth annual CSRA Wine Festival, coupled with the 47th annual Augusta Rose Show, will bring An Afternoon of Wine, Roses and All That Jazz! from 1-4 p.m. in the pavilion's ballroom area.
"The two events really complement each other," said Paul Blankenship, the chairman of the Augusta Rose Show.
When guests enter the venue, they will receive a wine glass and program directory that lists the various vendors and distributors from throughout the state, said Pat Goodwin, the CSRA Wine Festival chairwoman.
In addition to cheeses from Cabot Cheese, at least 200 types of wines will be available for sampling, she said. A panel of judges will evaluate wines before the event.
"You make some of the best friends at these events," she said. "As people are tasting wines, they begin to talk about it."
After event expenses are paid, money earned from ticket sales will go toward the Columbia County Humane Society, Goodwin said.
Last year, $500 was given to Columbia County Arts, and another $500 was donated to the Augusta Rose Society, she said.
"It gets bigger each year," Goodwin said. "We've managed to give away a little more money each year."
About 300 people attended the event last year, she said.
Art exhibits, including a booth for the Columbia County Artist Guild, will be set up among the wines and roses. Wine product vendors also will set up shop.
Food from area restaurants will be served, and Karen Gordon and Garden City Jazz will provide music.
Those only wanting to view the rose exhibit can do so free. Blankenship encourages people to bring their own flowers for display.
"We'll provide vases and everything," he said. "All they have to do is bring fresh roses that morning at 10 a.m."
The exhibit will feature an assortment of roses, including climbers, shrubs and miniatures, in a variety of colors and settings, he said.
"It's a real delight to the senses to smell the roses and enjoy their beauty," he said.
Guests must be 21 years old to attend the wine portion of the event.
Tickets cost $35 at the door, $30 in advance and $15 for designated drivers. Military personnel can purchase tickets at the door for $30 by showing identification.
To purchase tickets, visit www.csrawinefestival.com.
Tickets also can be purchased at The Vineyard Wine Market in Evans, Ninth Street Wine Shop in Augusta and Wine World in North Augusta.
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