Virtual wine tasting by ‘underground’ bar to support YWCA
Tender Mercy, Dayton’s chic new underground bar, has been closed for the last couple of months due to the COVID-19 mandatory shutdown. During this time, however, the bar has been hosting virtual wine tastings with its sommelier, Lauren Gay.
The next virtual wine tasting, called “Vine to Online” will benefit Dayton’s YWCA. Participants will join together in a Zoom video forum on Friday, June 12, from 8-9:30 p.m. and the sommelier will expertly explain the three new specially-curated wine tastings from wineries led by women.
“Females are definitely still minority in the wine world, so amplifying those winemakers has been important for this specific fundraiser,” Gay said. “One of the winemakers, Jo Nash from Victoria, Australia, will be joining the video call to talk about her wine, which makes this event extra special.”
Following each tasting, participants will be transitioned to a private chat with friends to enjoy the wine, and catch up with the crew in a fun, yet socially-distanced manner.
Although Tender Mercy has been closed, the YWCA here in Dayton has remained open because it’s an essential nonprofit. The YWCA is open every day of the year to serve survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking; women transitioning out of homelessness; and women in need of safe, supportive housing.
Proceeds from this event help support the YWCA of Dayton, to help ensure the critical safety nets they provide are able to continue, uninterrupted.
“We are excited to team up with the YWCA again,” Gay said. “They’ve been doing this work in Dayton for 150 years, so we trust that the funds we raise will directly impact the community.”
Tickets are $110 and include three full bottles, three Repour bottle stoppers and an entry into the evening’s wine raffle. A $35 nonwine option is also available for those who want to participate in the Zoom call only. Proceeds from each ticket benefit YWCA Dayton. Wines include:
■ 2018 Gaujal de Saint Bon Picpoul de Pinot ‘Cuvee de Dames’ ■ 2017 MWC Shiraz/Mourvedre ■ 2019 Marine Dubard Rose The Repour bottle stoppers are a new invention that removes oxygen from the bottle and keeps wine for two months, which is a vast improvement from normal stoppers. The inventor of Repour, who generously donated the stoppers for this event, will also be joining the call.
If you are registering as a group, please make sure that you and your friends use the same group name when registering. If you are signing up on your own, you will be placed in a group with new friends.
Registration closes end of day today and wine is available to pick up from the parking lot behind Tender Mercy (607 E. Third St., Dayton, OH 45402) on June 11 and 12 between 3-7 p.m. ID is required for pickup. Register now at www. ywcadayton.org/vine. Questions? Contact events@ywcadayton.org.