Uncork Your Palate! An Evening of Elegance at Victoria’s Historic Crystal Gardens
The illustrious members of the Naramata Bench Winery Association may all approach winemaking distinctly, but they share a belief that “authentic wine experiences” happen in a relaxed environment full of friends. They also share a commitment to community, and have focused their efforts on providing for the continued preeminence of the Victoria Conservatory of Music. At the crossroads of these convictions, Uncork Your Palate was born.
Held in Victoria’s Crystal Gardens, themselves designed in homage to the 1851 London Great Exhibition’s famed Crystal Palace, Uncork Your Palate harkens back to an era of effortless style and refined entertainment. The venue itself murmurs old-world sophistication, as intended by designers Frances Rattenbury and P. Leonard James, and over the course of its existence the structure has housed full ballrooms, Turkish baths, lavish tea rooms, an arboretum and the largest saltwater swimming pool in the British Empire. Today it stands as an iconic “survivor among world glass buildings.”
On April 23rd the historic building opens its doors to a trio of the nation’s finest jazz players (Damian Graham, Joey Smith, Karel Roessingh) and guests and benefactors from across Western Canada. Uncork Your Palate attendees will submerge themselves in the elegance of earlier ages to the sounds of world-class jazz and the clink of toasting wine glasses. The event is the first to feature the Naramata Bench wineries’ newly-assembled spring portfolio, and all twenty association winemakers will be in attendance pouring their vintages. A silent auction with everything from exotic travel packages to rare wines and foodstuffs will be spread out beneath the cavernous steel-and-glass ceiling, ensuring anticipation throughout the evening with proceeds benefiting the Conservatory of Music. The affair is emceed by CTV’s Louise Hartland.
Tuesday, April 23 || 6:30-9:00pm || Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas Street, Victoria, B.C. || Ages 19+ || Tickets: $95
