One of the region’s premier wine tasting events will return this Saturday, July 25, 2020, from 4 – 8 p.m. as the Poverty Bay ‘Virtual’ Wine Festival.

Now in its 16th year, the festival was one of the first celebrations to fall from the calendar in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Replacing the popular face-to-face wine tasting will be a Facebook Live event, where viewers can watch winery representatives and then make online purchases.

Close to a dozen wineries will offer a diverse selection of wines. Enthusiasts can pick their favorites and retrieve them directly at the tasting rooms of the winemakers. Details/links on each participant as well as specifics on all their creations can be found at www.povertybaywine.org. The link to the Facebook event is also attached to the website.

The “virtual wine fest” is a co-production of Destination Des Moines and the Des Moines & Normandy Park Rotary Club. Together and separately, they support an extensive list of charities and events, from food banks and fireworks, the homeless and hungry, students and schools. 30% of sales will go directly to charitable beneficiaries.

“Thanks to our sponsors, viewers watching the event will be eligible for virtual door prizes,” said Destination Des Moines director Tony Hettler.

Adds Rotary Club Past-President Connor Talbott:

“If you’re legal age, you might win a select bottle of wine or even a private wine-tasting party.”

In addition to the Facebook Live broadcast from 4–8 p.m. on Saturday, eager wine-lovers can jump in line early or get further information at www.povertybaywine.org.