A Sparkling Night at the Smith
A version of this column was published was published 02/02/22 in The Observer and The Review & Express.
It seems that gathering impressive wineries under one roof is standard for The Smith Opera House in Geneva. First, it was FLXcursion, an International Riesling Expo hosted last July, and now A Sparkling Night at the Smith.
“We've all been cooped up for far too long. It will be so fun to dress up and go out,” says Executive Director, Susie Monagan. “I'm really looking forward to seeing how people interpret 1920's inspired costumes and masquerade masks. The band, The Dixie Kats, will keep everyone moving as they sip and chat. The night should awaken our senses!
The event, which is billed as a “mid-winter masquerade” feels timely given we’re all in masks quite frequently these days. The ticket price of $100 includes food and wine. With the pandemic continuing to impact the livelihood of The Smith, this event is an important one with a major fundraising goal being announced onsite. If met, it will result in “the largest bottle [of bubbly] you've likely ever seen,” says Kelby James Russell, Board Chair for The Smith and winemaker at Red Newt Cellars.
Featured wineries will include Dr. Konstantin Frank, Fox Run Vineyards, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, Hosmer Winery, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, and Ravines Wine Cellars pouring some of their most delicious sparkling wines.
The night will be further accented by local food options, including Bella's Sicilian Ristorante, CaryMo Chocolates, Ferona, FLX Fry Bird (you can never go wrong with fried chicken and bubbles), Kindred Fare, Lively Run Dairy and Rio Tomatlán.
"It's been a long couple of years, and it felt like we could all use a chance to take a fantastic escape,” says Kelby, echoing Susie’s sentiments. Though his own winery isn’t featured at the event, Kelby seems genuinely excited to share his colleagues from around the lakes with attendees. “Premier Finger Lakes bubbles, fanciful food pairings that play with the wines, masquerade outfits, New Orleans Jazz - and all in the Art Deco splendor of The Smith Opera House on a cold winter night? It's a great evening and an amazing fundraiser for this cultural anchor of the region!"
Full disclosure: I just joined the Board of Directors at The Smith this year but my love for the venue runs deep after attending last year’s FLXcursion. There’s truly nothing like the vibrancy of the design and those magical stars in the ceiling. For more information about the event, visit thesmith.org.