The smells of 200 different wines, beers and spirits along with joyful chatter filled the fifth floor of Bluemont Hotel Saturday night.
The 16th Annual Flint Hills Festival of Wine had its grand tasting in Manhattan’s newest hotel for the first time, where over 250 people exercised their palates.
All the proceeds of the event went to Homecare & Hospice, as they had the previous 15 years.
“People get to stroll around the evening, get some food and drink and find out what they like,” said Christina Nolte, the Director of Development for Homecare & Hospice.
Nolte said the fundraiser typically brings in $60,000 .
“Homecare & Hospice is a local, nonprofit organization,” she said. “We provide homecare, home health and hospice services. We also operate the Good Shepard Hospice House, which is the only hospice house in Riley County in a seven surrounding county radius.”
Nolte added that the Festival of Wines is crucial in helping pay for those not fortunate enough to have the insurance to access services.
“We do a lot of work, provide a lot of care to a lot of families and individuals here in the community, and because we’re a nonprofit, we care for all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay,” she said. “So fundraisers like this really help us offset that charitable care we provide.
“It’s a fun night out for a great cause, so it’s a win-win.”
Rita Faires, Director of Corporate Development for Standard Beverage Corporation, said her company, which has helped supply the event since day one, was happy to be a partner once again.
“Good event, great cause,” Faires said. “We are so delighted and humbled to be a part of this fundraiser for Homecare & Hospice. They do such great work here in the community, and it’s our opportunity to say thank you to the community for supporting us and our business all year round.”
K-State senior Josiah Wegener was a first-timer at the event. He said he enjoyed the selection.
“I came to see what the Festival of Wines is,” he said. “It’s been great seeing all the wineries that come out here.”
The event also featured a silent auction and food from local vendors. All 80 of the silent auction items were donated by individuals and members of the area business community.
Nolte said having the grand tasting in Bluemont Hotel was a way to keep the event fresh.
“After you’ve done something for 15 years, you look at shaping things up and doing something different,” she said. “The Bluemont is a beautiful hotel and a great venue, so we thought we’d try it here for a year and seeing how it fits.”
