A 20 Year blend of Symphony, summer ales, and Shiraz

By Jamie Lund
Contributing Writer

What’s better than gathering with family and friends, sampling luscious food and wine? The kick-off event to summer is back as one of the most eagerly awaited events of the season. The Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra is proud to host their annual signature fundraising event, Wine and Beer on the Red. Packed with wine and beer tastings, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and raffle give-a-ways, this is sure to be a can’t miss event.

The FM Symphony Orchestra is one of the most successful orchestras in the country. Entering into their 80th year, they are proud to reflect on their vast accomplishments. The symphony is comprised of more than 80 professional, high-quality musicians and has developed into a fundamental part of our thriving community. Recently, the symphony was evaluated by a panel of judges for the 2011 Chamber Choice Awards, and were named Small Non-Profit of the Year at the awards luncheon on May 17. The symphony’s fine work includes their Masterworks concert series, Chamber Music series, Holiday Pops concerts and various special events. If you haven’t had the privilege of seeing the symphony perform, be sure to catch them at one of their many upcoming appearances.

Wine on the Red began more than 20 years ago as one of the original wine tastings in the FM area. It was originally a benefit event for Prairie Public Television and was handed off to the Symphony after about five years. Beer samples were also added to this occasion within the last few years to draw a more diverse crowd, thus changing its name. Wine & Beer on the Red has become the Symphony’s signature fundraising event in offering silent auction items that are donated by a variety of places around the FM area. All of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Symphony. Over the past 20 years, Wine & Beer on the Red has outgrown many venues as it has become more popular. The Ramada Plaza and Suites of Fargo is excited to host this fun filled, casual event on Wednesday, June 1, 2011.

Wine and Beer on the Red is excited to include their fun raffles again this year. They will include three different wagons, each filled with a decent supply of adult beverages. Don’t miss out on the chance to stock up your supply with either $1,000 value of wine, $1,000 value of spirits or $400 value of beer as the raffle items! Each raffle ticket is sold for $20, or buy 3 for $50. Pick your favorite wagon to increase your chance to win, or drop one ticket in each. Sorry, you don’t get to keep the classic, little red wagon- but what’s inside will keep your refreshments stocked for the rest of the summer.

In the midst of the silent auction and exciting raffles, multiple musicians from the FM Symphony will be performing. Sounds of Chris Mahan on solo jazz vibes, a harp-violin duo as well as a string quartet will fill the air with peaceful music. This fun-filled evening has something for everyone. Sample everything from a sweet riesling to a full-bodied bock. Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops are providing all of the wine and beer samples. A wide variety of wine will be featured which will include reds like Steltzner Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon and Decoy Napa Valley Merlot. White wines are also available such as Trisaetum Estate Riesling and R. Stuart Big Fire Pinot Gris. Beer samples include everything from refreshing ales such as Deschutes Twilight Summer Ale to darker notes like Samuel Smiths Oatmeal Stout. If you aren’t familiar with many wines, this can also be a great opportunity to learn more about them. The samples will be poured by members of the Valley Wine Society. Feel free to ask questions and find out which flavors you enjoy most. Along with the endless supply of wine and beer, Basies Restaurant inside the Ramada is pleased to provide delicious hors d’oeuvres to complement each beverage.

Pairing wine and beer with the right food can make both taste that much better. Chefs at Basies have been working hard to pair each beverage station accordingly. A few delicious dishes you’ll find at this event will include cold lobster bisque shooters paired with a crisp pinot gris, roasted red pepper and parmesan crotini paired with a spicy shiraz, as well as beef carpaccio with stone mustard on rye crackers paired with light zinfandel. There will be a diverse variety of food pairings at this event all courtesy of Basies.

Gather your family, friends and co-workers for this premiere event. With always generous portions, everyone is sure to leave satisfied! Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Be sure to take advantage of group pricing! Group rates include “6-pack pricing” for six or more tickets purchased in advance for $30 each. Also, be sure to listen to Froggy 99.9 and FM 105.1 for more information as well as on air ticket give-a-ways! Advance tickets are available through the FM Symphony Orchestra office at 218-233-8397, online at http://www.fmsymphony.org or at any FM area Happy Harry’s locations.

Now in a new location, the region’s most extensive wine and beer tasting event of the year is only weeks away. Gather together on Wednesday, June 1 to enjoy a tremendous selection of luscious wines, designer beers and fabulous food- as well as enjoy live music performed by the talented musicians of the Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra. Stock up for summer by a chance to win one of the raffle wagons! Take your chance at the wine, beer, or spirits wagon raffle. Don’t forget to bid on any or all of the alluring packages at the silent auction, and most of all have fun with family, friends and co-workers. As said by Sara Granger, the Development Director of the FM Symphony Orchestra, “if you go away from this event hungry or thirsty you didn’t stay long enough. It’s amazing”.

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IF YOU GO:                     
                    What: Wine and Beer Tastings, Silent Auction
                    When: Wednesday, June 1st   5:30 – 8:30 pm
                    Where: Ramada Plaza & Suites Fargo
                    Cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the door