For the past 35 years, the traditional Wine & Cheese Festival to benefit Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice has welcomed guests to sample wines, enjoy live music and participate in the afternoon’s exciting auctions. As the organization cautiously navigates the pandemic, it has been announced that this year’s Wine & Cheese Festival will be hosted virtually on Friday, October 2. But don’t worry—you’ll still get plenty of wine and cheese.

Wine and Cheese Festival 2020 attendees will receive a customized, reusable, three-bottle wine tote stocked with two specially curated bottles of wine (one red and one white) and a combination of sweet and savory treats including Italian dry salame, locally sourced cheese from Spring House Dairy, crisp toasted rounds and a selection of Dove Chocolates. All items were selected to create a delightful pairing with the featured wines. 

Settled in with wine and snacks, guests can then tune in at 7:30 p.m. to the festivities.

The virtual experience will include a presentation by Jon Hartlage, celebrated Sommelier and host of the YouTube Show, “Let’s Chat Wine.” Jon will share tasting tips and present the distinct origin of the featured Quintay-Clava Syrah and Vernaccia Di San Gimignano D.O.C.G Riserva “Sanice.”

In addition to the featured presentation, guests are invited to participate by placing their bids on featured items in the online silent auction, which can be accessed at karenannquinlanhospice.org/wc2020.

All tickets must be purchased in advance to ensure totes are ready for pickup on Oct. 2. They can be ordered on the web at karenannquinhospice.org/wc2020 or by calling 973-383-0115. All participants must be 21 or older to reserve and pick up their totes.

Totes will be available for pick-up at Burke’s Wine & Liquors, 6 Sparta Avenue in Sparta, between 12 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 2. Cost of the package is $100.

For over 40 years, the hospice has helped thousands of families in Warren County and beyond cope with the terminal illness of loved ones; proceeds from this year’s Wine & Cheese Festival will continue to assist hospice patients and their loved ones.