More than a cocktail party

Wine tasting proceeds help local charities

January 22, 2009

Sight, swirl, smell, sip and savor. These are the five "S's" of wine tasting Rosie Badalamente has learned and now shares with others through her work with Wines for Humanity.

Two years after a "silly little story" led Badalamente to a local wine tasting, the New Lenox resident is celebrating her second year as a wine advisor with Wines For Humanity — and she is looking forward to passing along her knowledge of merlots, shirazs and zinfandels to the Lincoln-Way community.

"Wine has always been a passion for me," the 31-year-old said, "and I've always wanted to learn more about it.

"I knew the merlots, the chardonnays ... but I always wanted to know more."

It wasn't until Badalamente hosted a Lia Sophia jewelry party and met another wine aficionado that she began thinking seriously about a career in fermented grape products. She attended a Wines for Humanity tasting and "had a blast." Badalamente knew then she wanted to get involved with the company, and the more she found out, the more she fell in love.

Wines for Humanity, Badalamente explained, is not just a wine tasting company or wine supplier. Based in Elk Grove Village, the company also serves a philanthropic purpose. For every bottled promoted at a Wines for Humanity tasting, $1 goes to the PADS Crisis Center, which works to combat poverty and homelessness in the Chicagoland area. And, Badalamente added, a percentage of the sales from the tasting is donated to whatever charity the host chooses.

"I've had people give to PAWS Animal Shelter, to the cancer support center in Mokena ... they can donate it anywhere," she said.

And it's the giving back aspect Badalamente said makes the experience that much more meaningful.

"It's full circle," she said. "You're learning about wine, having fun, and at the same time giving back to the community."

To host a tasting, Badalamente said all people need is a room large enough to hold 10-15 people and a table for her to set up the wines and wineglasses. As the wine advisor, she brings the glasses, seven bottles of wine and all the knowledge for $50. And while snacks are not required, Badalamente said she provides suggestions for food — usually types of cheeses — for the host that complement the selected wines.

"It's definitely a different concept," she said. "We bring everything to you. The host doesn't have to worry about anything."

A tasting lasts about two hours, and Badalamente describes each wine's characteristics, which flavors guests should notice, and what foods should be paired with the different wine varieties. Badalamente also has several recipes she shares and will answer any questions throughout the evening.

"Most people leave knowing a lot more than when they came," she said.

And Badalamente is also always learning more. She attends monthly classes in Elk Grove Village through the company, and said there's always a new wine region to learn about or a new blend to taste.

"Winemakers are kind of like artists," she said. "They're always trying new things."

Eventually, Badalamente wants to work in wine full-time. The single mother of two works in logistics for print company RR Donnelley, and said her "ultimate dream" is to open a wine bar in the Lincoln-Way area.

For now, Badalamente is concentrating on growing her business in the community.

To schedule a wine tasting or simply purchase wine, call Badalamente at (815) 272-5008 or e-mail her at Rosie@WinesForHumanity.com.

From http://www.newlenoxpatriot.com/Articles-c-2009-01-21-190610.112113_More_than_a_cocktail_party.html