By JillAnderson

Wine Tasting at the Oaks

Most of us have sipped wine while at an art opening but have you ever sipped wine while enjoying a Park? I mean besides while picnicking? Well, now you can!

Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Join Total Wine’s Dan Roninson, wine/spirits educator, as he guides wine enthusiasts in an array of topics.

As you treat your taste buds, discover the latest nature highlights from a Hidden Oaks naturalist.

These six special wine events will be held over the course of a few months; beginning next Saturday, December 19th. Register Today and Mark Your Calendars!

• Sat. December 19, 2009 – 7-9 p.m.
  Basics of Wine Tasting

• Sat. January 9, 2010 – 7-9 p.m.
  East vs. West Coast Wines

• Sat. January 23, 2010 – 7-9 p.m.
  Great Local Buys from Faraway Places

• Sat. February 6, 2010 – 7-9 p.m.
  Local Vineyards

• Sat. February 20, 2010 – 7-9 p.m.
  Hearty Winter Reds and Light Reds for Spring

• Sat. March 6, 2010 – 7-9 p.m.
  The Great White Wines

Dan Roninson has practiced his art for over ten years and wine manager for the last two years at Total Wine in Alexandria. He has traveled extensively in France and California honing his craft.

Registration limited to 30 per session. Registration and prepayment by cash or check required. Checks are payable to Friends of Hidden Oaks and mailed to FONONC, 7701 Royce Street, Annandale, VA 22003

Sponsored by Friends of Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Proceeds benefit environmental education programs.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located conveniently inside the beltway at Exit 52B, Little River Turnpike/Rt. 236. Take the exit east to left at the first light onto Hummer Road. Turn left onto Royce Street to the nature center which is the first building on the left at 7701 Royce Street, Annandale.

For more information contact Kevin Holland at kholland11@verizon.net
or call the nature center at 703-941-1065.

On a side note, it has come to my attention (Thank you Betsy) that many of our parks are having to come up with clever ways to generate revenue in light of the tremendous budget cuts – upwards of 18% this year in addition to similar cuts last year. If you enjoy walking around our parks (Green Spring Gardens, Hidden Oaks, Huntley Meadows and others), please consider contacting the Board of Supervisors ASAP to voice your opinion about our parks and the proposed budget cuts.