ART OF WINE TASTING – Sip, Swirl & Savor
May 13, 2021
The Art and Culture Center/Hollywoodvirtual fundraiser Art of Wine Tasting –Sip, Swirl & Savor was a big success
The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood’s virtual fundraiser Art of Wine Tasting – Sip, Swirl & Savor raised nearly $12,000 for the Center. The event, which took place Thursday, May 13, 2021, was an engaging, fun and informative wine tasting and food pairing that featured sommelier Shari Gherman, president and co-founder of American Fine Wine Competition. In addition, guests enjoyed two wonderful musical selections by pianist Phillip Dunlap, Director of the Broward County Cultural Division.
Shari walked ticket buyers through two wine tastings, a 2018 Outlot Sauvignon Blanc and a 2017 Outlot Cabernet Sauvignon, along with the delicious food by Artisan Foods that was paired to the wines.
The event was made possible thanks to the wonderful ticket buyers and event sponsors: Beaujolais Sponsors – Florida Power & Light, Kofsky Weinger PA, Memorial Healthcare System, and Laurie Schecter; Chianti Sponsors - Publix Supermarkets Charities, and Superior Towing; Rioja Sponsors – Billy’s Stone Crab, Firm Realty, The Car Concierge Group, and Pest Pro Rid All.
Special thanks to Shari Gherman of American Fine Wine Competition, Shekar Reddy of Hollywood Discount Liquors, Phillip Dunlap of Broward County Cultural Division, and Ed Blakely of Quintessential Wines.
Shari Gherman – Special Guest Sommelier
Shari is President and Co-founder of the American Fine Wine Competition, as well as a Sommelier who has been involved in the wine industry for 30 years. Her experiences in virtually every aspect of the industry, including marketing, distribution, supply, advertising, and judging, have combined to form a unique and diverse background. Shari’s approach to talking about wine comes from a deep love of the industry and the grape. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and makes wine exciting, inviting, and interesting.
Phillip Dunlap – Special Guest Performer
Phillip Dunlap is the Director of Broward County's Cultural Division and is responsible for leading the County's local arts agency with an annual budget of about $10 million. Previously, Phil worked at the nonprofit organization, Jazz St. Louis from 2007-2019. In addition, Phil has served as an adjunct professor at the University St. Louis; Webster University; and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where he taught Jazz History and Music Business. He has served as a Cultural Envoy for the US Department of State and has taught and performed in Afghanistan, Guyana and Thailand. He presently serves on the Board of Jazz Education Abroad, an internal jazz education NGO. He holds a Bachelor of Music in jazz performance (piano), a Bachelor of Music in music theory composition and a Master of Music in jazz performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported in part by its members, admissions, private entities, the City of Hollywood; the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; the David and Francie Horvitz Family Foundation; and the Josephine S. Leiser Foundation. We welcome donations from all members of the community who wish to support our work.