Ridgefield News
December 10 2000
Wine Tasting Gala
Democrats Get Into Holiday Spirit With Festive Wine Tasting Party
 |
NY Times wine critic Frank Prial (left) with First Selectman Rudy Marconi
|
Dec. 10 -- Ridgefield Democrats kicked off the holiday season with their first-ever wine tasting party. Frank Prial, wine critic of The New York Times and a renowned oenologist, was the guest speaker, offering commentary on the wines and their backgrounds. Nearly 100 Democrats and friends, including First Selectman Rudy Marconi, U.S. Rep. Jim Maloney, and almost all Ridgefield Democratic officeholders, attended the festive event, held at the elegant Chez Noue restaurant.
A highlight of the evening was the arrival of First Selectman Rudy Marconi. The assembled Ridgefielders, elated over Tuesday's passage of the school referendum, greeted his arrival with enthusiastic applause. In remarks to the group, Marconi thanked everyone for their hard work to pass the Bundle, and reminded them that there were other big challenges facing the town - one that must be confronted soon is the question of the Bennett's Pond property, and the overall issue of open space planning.
 |
| Restaurateur Jean deNoue demonstrates the Napoleonic method of decanting champagne. He removed the cork - and the whole top of the bottle - with a quick swipe of a ceremonial sword. Avoiding the spray are DTC members Karen Howes (left) and Alice Carboni. |
But mostly the event was a social one, dominated by discussion of the seven wines offered, enjoyed in the ambiance of Ridgefield's cozy Chez Noue restaurant. Wine critic Frank Prial was an able guide to the nuances of the offered wines. He described arcane details of grape growing in the Burgundy region of France, various parts of Napa and Sonoma in California, and explored the various wine growing areas of Australia.
The wine tasting party, a fundraiser for Ridgefield Democrats, was judged a huge success by all. DTC Chair Jim Diamond said, "Tonight's event was a wonderful occasion for Ridgefield Democrats and friends to get together before the holidays, taste some excellent wines, and enjoy each other's company. We look forward to making this an annual occasion."
[Left]Grant Perry, who did a terrific job as Chairman of the Wine Tasting event, showed off his Genuine Georges Duboeuf tie, and proved it matched the vintner's bottle design. NY Times wine critic Frank Prial, a professional associate of Grant's (right) looked on in envy (?). One of the partygoers coveted the special tie, and convinced Grant to part with it in exchange for a generous contribution to the cause.
[Right] Susan Cocco contributed her considerable energy and enthusiasm to tonight's event. Here, she solicits auction bids for two very special items: genuine Alexander Calder political posters, for George McGovern, and Abe Ribicoff, thanks to the generosity of George Goodstadt and his Antique Poster Collection Gallery.
[Left] Three Democratic leaders (from left): First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Fifth District Congressman Jim Maloney, and DTC Chair Jim Diamond, celebrate three great political successes; Jim's reelection victory, the passage of Rudy's school funding "Bundle," and tonight's super-successful fundraising event.
[Right] Ridgefield wine enthusiasts give their undivided attention to special guest Frank Prial as he explains the nuances of Zinfandels, Beaujolais, and Cabernets.
[Left] Cong. Maloney (left) talks about events in Washington with Roger Garbw (center) and Grant Perry.
[Right] School board member Mary Pat Devine (left) chats with DTC officer Reggie Hazel.
[Left] Police Commissioner George Kain (left) assesses the Cabernet Sauvignon he is tasting before passing judgment for Alice Carboni (center) and Susan Cocco.
[Right] Ridgefield businessman and Democratic activist Mike Jones (left) enjoys sharing views on his favorite wines with oenologist Frank Prial and his wife Jean.
Campaign 2000 Home
GO TO
Campaign News
Brought to you by the Ridgefield, Ct.
Democratic Town Committee, Jim Diamond, Chairman
Paid for by The Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee, Edwin C. Pearson, Treasurer
