14th Annual Wine On Harvest Moon
Philanthropists, Foodies, Art Lovers and Environmentalists Gathered Under the Moonlight
The Deering Estate Foundation’s 14th Annual Wine On Harvest Moon (WOHM), presented by South BMW, tantalized guests with Spirits, Spells & American Lore, successfully raising net proceeds of $45,000 for the historic Miami property’s ongoing awareness, educational programs, cultural events and conservational efforts.
Philanthropists, foodies, art lovers and environmentalists spent an enchanting evening under the moonlight at the historic bay-front property as they celebrated the allure of American folklore through the fine wine and spirits of the continental U.S., the tasty vittles from top local chefs, and the delight of the macabre to the mysterious in entertainment. A coast-to-coast journey through America took guests to different wine or spirit producing regions of the U.S., marrying each with a thrilling sub-theme plucked from some of the country’s most revered folklore. Guests strolled through upstate New York’s Sleepy Hollow and Edgar Allen Poe’s New England, listening to sweet sounds of a live Jazz pianist, on down to Mark Twain’s southern saloon and bourbon bar, and over west to Napa Valley. Pop-Up vignettes by Tandem Theatre Group were all the rage, as was the surprise appearance by the headless horsemen.
Highlighted in each of the historic homes was a rare collection of first edition American books and contemporary American art specially curated by Deering’s Cultural Arts Coordinator, Kim Yantis, featuring works from printmakers, poets, and painters including Kathleen Hudspeth, Brian Reedy, Barbara Rivera, Kari Snyder and Tom Virgin. Music was provided by Jazz Pianist Mike Orta, Professor and Director of Jazz Performance at FIU School of Music; Alain Rodriquez of the Jazz and More Combo with Alain Rodriquez and Kevin Thelwell on trumpet, Daniel Dela Cerda on Trombone; a Goulish String Duo with Robyn Savitsky on Viola and Gregory Abrell on Violin; Nicole Oswald’s String Quartet with Oswald on Violin, assisted by University of Miami’s Frost School of Music; Sara Arevalo String Group, also with students from University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and Laura Wilcox, founding member of the Deering Estate Chamber Ensemble. Showcased to guests during the event was the new 2016 BMW 750i, by title sponsor South BMW.
Food paired to the theme, region and corresponding libation included delights from Rojelio Fernandez of Brio Tuscan Grille, Diego Solano of Bulla Gastrobar, Rod Chitikov of Devon Seafood + Steak, Phil Bryant of The Local Craft Food & Drink, David Lesser of Munch Thyme, Miguel Antonio Gomez Fernández of Pisco Y Nazca, and Julia Ning of Station 5 Miami, as well as Sports Grill, Anacapri Cucina Italiana, Asian Fusion, Golden Rule Seafood, and Whole Foods Market Coral Gables, as well as desserts from Oliver Rodriguez of The Biltmore Hotel.
Presented by Crown Wine, Spirits & Gourmet and procured by Wine Buyer and official WOHM sommelier, Veronica Litton – recently honored as one of only eight 2015 Market Watch Leaders in the country – wines for this year’s event offered fitting selections including Frances Ford Coppola’s Vendetta Cabernet Sauvignon, Valley of The Moon Pinot Blanc and Zinfandel, Merlot Devil by Charles Smith in Washington State, Boneshaker Zinfandel by Hahn Family Vineyards in Monterey, Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon and Seven Deadly Zins by Michael and David Winery in Lodi, California, Blanc de Bleu sparkling wine, and Toad Hollow Francine’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
A fun-filled and competitive auction was emceed by husband and wife team, WPLG Channel 10 News Anchor Jacey Birch and Meteorologist Trent Aric, that included an exclusive vineyard and tasting tour to Sonoma Valley with Charles Deering’s great-great-granddaughter Blair Maus – proprietor of award-winning Deering Wine, as well as other generously donated items, raising over $8,000 in additional proceeds to support the Foundation.
“This year’s Wine On Harvest Moon was majestic, thrilling and so much fun – showcasing the Estate and the history of American Lore just beautifully,” states eight-year Event Chairman Howard Tendrich. “The Deering Estate Foundation continues to be humbled by the level of support we receive from our philanthropic, corporate, artistic and food and wine-loving communities for this signature fundraising event. The efforts of our sponsors, volunteers and supporters have helped raise significant funds for the work the Foundation does to preserve and care for this wondrous legacy of Florida’s heritage. We are so very grateful and excited to begin planning for 2016’s milestone 15th year.”
Wine On Harvest Moon takes place annually in October on the Saturday closest to the full harvest moon at Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay. All proceeds from this signature fundraising event benefit the Deering Estate Foundation. Leading sponsors for WOHM 2015 include title sponsor South BMW, as well as Coconut Grove Bank, Celebrity Cruises, Northwestern Mutual, Morris & Reynolds Insurance, UBS Financial Services, Cherry Bekaert CPA’s & Advisors, Heritage House, FP&L, Deering Dental, SunState Bank, Szaro Family, Village of Palmetto Bay, Leo Lagomasino, Valley of the Moon, Blooming Gardens, Eagle Brands, Brooks Brothers, Ortanique, Bike Tech, Pinecrest Magazine, Hungry Post, SouthFloridaGourmet, SocialMiami.com, Miami Socialholic and Community Newspapers, among others.
