Joan Hairston was trying to find a sweet, dry red wine.
Roaming with a friend past dozens of sampling tables at Bern's Winefest today, the social worker from Wichita Falls, Texas., had an abundance to choose from -- more than 200 varieties of wine from around the world, in fact.
Hairston was among more than 800 people who attended the $125-a-ticket grand tasting held at SideBern's restaurant and Bern's Fine Wine & Spirits on South Howard Avenue. The throng sipped a dizzying array of spectacular brands from the United States, Germany, Austria, South America, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal.
The event, which also featured samples of gourmet food made by chefs from SideBern's and Bern's Steak House, raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as funds for culinary scholarships.
How gourmet? Think eel ravioli, smoked pork belly and bison tartare. The patio serving stations featuring Moet & Chandon champagnes, and exotic caviars were besieged with patrons looking for samples.
Hairston and other attendees tracked their wine adventure in a guide handed out at the door. Although she said she enjoyed several varieties - a Wild Rock Pinot Noir came close - she didn't find the red she was looking for.
"This was much more relaxed than I expected," she said. "I've had a great time."
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