Last year I had bronchitis and COVID over the holidays and I missed the Christmas festivities at the Monastery. So, I was really looking forward to attending the event this year. Then I discovered there would be a whole week of activities with a variety of ways to participate! I was intrigued by the Wine Tasting Event on Tuesday that week as it was something fun and different. I decided to invite a friend who enjoys wine and learning about new ones.
Jack and Ted Farrell
The evening was lovely. Jack and Ted Farrell from Haskell’s were our hosts. Ted, with his deep booming voice, educated and led us all through four rounds of wine tasting.
Each round we had a tasting pour of “Old World” wine (from European wineries) and “New World” wine (from American wineries). Two of the rounds highlighted white wines and two highlighted red wines.
Hors D'oeuvres available at the Wine Tasting
Each of the wines were poured by monastery volunteers, bedecked in their holiday best. It was delightful being served in this way and I think they enjoyed it too! We each had our favorite wines and Haskell’s offered a 10% discount on any of the wines featured that night. There were beautifully displayed and tasty appetizers, catered by the Hill Murray culinary staff. They offered both hot and cold fare with a little something for everyone’s appetite and eating preferences.
When I asked my friend about what she enjoyed most, she said she loved sitting with two of our Sisters and sharing this fun and relaxing experience with them. While indeed this was a necessary fund-raising event, it was engaging with the welcoming community of St. Paul’s Monastery that was the real gift for those of us attending this delightful evening!
