That’s Amore! Arizona Opera League of Tucson raises money through wine tasting event BY LAURA LATZKO These days, those who enjoy wine and beer want to experience different flavors. The Arizona Opera League of Tucson will give locals a chance to try a variety of wines during its second Bravo Vino fundraiser on Saturday, March 28, at Gregory School. The event also offers a market with arts and crafts vendors, local food trucks with American fare, and music performances. Co-chairwoman Vikie Hariton says Bravo Vino stands out from other wine festivals because of its local focus. “There was no wine festival for Arizona wine, so we decided it might be a nice way to raise money for the opera,” Hariton says. It’s part of a series of
wine-tasting festivals, which take place in Tucson, Willcox and Phoenix. The Tucson league started the event last year to replace its long-running home tour. Last year, more than 800 people attended. During this year’s event, attendees can choose from 40 different samples from between 12 and 15 wineries from Willcox and Sonoita. “It’s a big industry here in Arizona,” Hariton says. “We’re trying to raise the awareness of the Arizona wines.” The wineries will offer different types of red, white, sparkling and dessert wines. For $20 to $30, attendees will receive six of 10 tastings. The wineries will also sell bottles and cases. This year, the event will have beer from Four Peaks Brewing
Co., for those who aren’t wine drinkers. Only full glasses of beer will be available. Bravo Vino expanded its offerings this year with vendors selling vintage items. University of Arizona opera students and funk/soul/classic rock group Outside the Line will perform. Through fundraisers such as Bravo Vino, members of the opera league give back to the arts community. The Bravo Vino event raises funds through booth spaces, ticket sales and sponsorships. Many members of the opera league, which has a membership of more than 100 people, have a long history with the group. Hariton’s mother was affiliated with the Opera Dames, the original name for the Tucson opera league. Her mother helped to foster a love of opera in her.
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“We are all longtime supporters of opera. We all want to support this artform. … I got involved because of my mother and found a group of dynamic women who knew how to get things done,” Hariton says. Proceeds from the event support the Arizona Opera in its mission of bringing opera productions to different parts of Arizona, along with educational programs, masterclass workshops, recitals, a book club, a film festival, a family event, student nights, and coffee and brownbag talks. The Arizona Opera hosts productions Symphony Hall in Phoenix and the Tucson Music Hall. It will complete is 2019-20 season in Tucson with “Riders of the Purple Sage” on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8, and “Ariadne Auf Naxos” on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12. Its season also features “Shining Brow,” “Fellow Travelers” and “La Boheme.”
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MORE INFO
What: Bravo Vino When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 Where: The Gregory School, 3231 N. Craycroft Road Cost: $20 to 25 for presale tasting tickets, $25 to $30 at the gat Info: eventbrite.com www.LovinLife.com
