Hundreds of people gathered last Friday at Forbes Library in Northampton for its sixth annual wine-tasting benefit.
The gala is one of two annual fundraisers organized by the Friends of Forbes Library.
“Along with June’s garden tour, the wine tasting is a well-known and much-loved event. But it’s special because the library throws open its doors for a real celebration of the arrival of fall,” said Friends board president Martha McCormick.
Guests mingled in the library’s grand rooms, sampling reds and whites from the United States, France, Italy and other countries provided by distributors and importers from Liquors 44. Larry Godard, who owns Mineral Hills Winery in Florence, brought seven varieties. One table offered a selection of sakes; another featured dessert wines.
“It gives me a chance to taste the wines I don’t normally buy. It’s a learning experience. I love it,” said Fran Fern, of Belchertown.
Those who weren’t tasting wines were noshing on equally diverse hors d’oeuvres from local merchants and restaurants.
“Mostly, I like the appetizers. I’m here for the smoked salmon and spanakopita,” said Mary Paige, a librarian from Williamsburg.
Ken Forfia, Nancy Janoson, Judy Bruneau, John Power and Ed Brainerd played jazz throughout the two-hour event.
Raffle tickets were sold for gift certificates from area restaurants.
In addition to the Friends of Forbes Library, major sponsors of the wine tasting were Liquors 44, Whalen Insurance, PeoplesBank and Northampton Rentals.
Net proceeds from the event will benefit Forbes Library to support children’s and young adult programs, music and lecture series, preservation of Special Collections, and the library’s book and media fund.
“It seems like the attendance this year is better than ever,” said Lisa Downing, who is the assistant director of the library. “The community support is really appreciated.”