At first glance, the packed parking lot in front of the Home Depot in the Concordville Town Centre suggested a massive clearance sale, complete with a giant white tent.
But the tent was stocked with food and wine, not washers and wainscoting, as hundreds of patrons arrived on Thursday, June 4, for the Fifth Annual Twisted Vintner, a popular fundraiser for the Concordville-Chadds Ford Rotary Club.
What began as a playful challenge about which Rotarian produced the best homemade wine has evolved into a much-anticipated community gathering. It is still anchored by the avocational wine competition, but it also includes tastings from area vineyards and breweries, food offerings from regional restaurants, a silent auction, a raffle, and live music.
Don Culp, who chaired the event, said it takes about six months to organize each year. It was Culp’s quest to beat fellow Rotarian Jim Murphy for “best wine” bragging rights that got things started.
“Apparently, if you make wine, you get very competitive,” noted Rotary President Dominic Cappelli. “They are very proud and like to argue about who is the best, which is part of the fun.”
Culp, the owner of Delco Alarm Systems, said that Twisted Vintner began at Garnet Ford but outgrew that space, to the dismay of its owner, Brad Hendrixson.
“We had an awesome time,” Hendrixson said. “It’s a special event, and great for the community. We’ll support it wherever it is.”
Cappelli said Twisted Vintner gets bigger every year as word spreads that it’s an entertaining way to spend time with friends, meet new ones, and support the Rotary’s community outreach. Among this year’s beneficiaries are the Rachel Kohl Library, Brandywine Battlefield Park, Camp Bournalyf and the Brandywine Youth Club.
“Obviously, we’re outgrowing the tent,” said Cappelli as he surveyed the large crowd, estimated at about 500.
Randi Penfil, one of the repeat attenders, said it’s an easy event to patronize. “The Rotary does so much for the community,” she said. “It’s great to see so many people come out to support them.”
State Rep. Stephen Barrar, R-160, described himself as another regular, having only missed one year. And now that he’s been given a coveted role as a judge, he probably won’t miss another. “It’s a great time and a great event,” he said.
Carol Alberici Swerdon, the Rotary’s treasurer, said Twisted Vintner couldn’t happen without its solid core of volunteers and sponsors. “It truly was a group effort by the members of the Concordville Chadds Ford Rotary Club, to help support their service to those in the community and beyond,” she said.
Swerdon said early indications pointed to an increase in fundraising over last year’s event, given the higher attendance and larger sponsors, especially Garnet Ford, Acme Markets, Concordville Subaru, and John Williams, Realtor.
Peter Hart, a first-time attender, applauded the efforts. “I had a good time,” he said. “The food was absolutely superb.”
Hart, a West Chester lawyer, likely won’t be the only neophyte who becomes a regular. Tracy and Chris Kimball of Bethel Township made a quick transition from first-time visitors to diehard fans after they won the premier raffle prize: a giant wheelbarrow full of liquor.
“This is unbelievable,” Chris Kimball said. “I’m not sure how we’re going to get all of this home. And the wheelbarrow comes with it!”
Making the haul even sweeter was the fact that the couple hadn’t planned to attend. Some friends purchased the tickets and had to travel to Pittsburgh for a funeral so the Kimballs got to use them.
Chris Kimball said he immediately texted a photo of the prize to their friends, who were stunned. Luckily for them, the Kimballs will have enough to share.
And after a rigorous judging process that spanned two sessions, a number of area vintners will share in the glow of success – at least until next year.
The first-place winner in the red (from grapes) category was Anthony Rizzo for his 2013 syrah, followed in second place by Mike Tower for his 2013 cabernet sauvignon, and Jim Murphy and Eric Fillipone for their 2013 petit syrah-zinfandel in third.
Winners in the red wine prepared from juice or kits category were John Gallo, first place for his 2014 malbec-merlot; Brad Moehler, second place for his 2014 syrah, and Jay Saraceno and son, third for their 2013 Italian sangiovese.
White-wine winners were Anthony Rizzo in first again, this time for his 2014 moscato; 2nd Brothers of Italy in second for their 2014 California sauvignon blanc; and Michael Bacchini in third for his 2014 muscat.
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