He loves wine. He loves clients of Developmental Services Inc., some of whom have worked for him.
So David Simmons sees Saturday’s Seventh Annual D-Vine Winter Wine and Beer Festival as a smooth blend of two wonderful elements.
“You always want to do what you can to support such good local organizations like DSI,” said Simmons, owner of Columbus’ Simmons Winery and 450 North Brewing Company.
So he will be among a record 19 alcohol vendors at the food-and-drink event from 1 to 7 p.m. at The Commons. Last year’s gathering attracted more than 600 people, and raised about $13,000 for DSI, which helps the mentally and physically disabled live and work more independently. In 2013, a record crowd of more than 700 attended, according to organizers.
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Simmons said he expects to have his own 450 North beer available for $4.50 per pint, and about 10 different wines, including popular vinolias and catalpas, available for $5 per glass, plus selections that attendees can take home.
“For me, it’s just nice to see all these Indiana wineries and craft breweries together,” he said.
Columbus’ Trudi Smith, who has attended the event the past three years, offered the same perspective — and said she loves the one-stop shopping.
“It gives us the opportunity to experience all those businesses in one place,” Smith said. “Instead of having to drive to each one of them, this allows each one of them to come to you.”
Smith said she sometimes cooks with wine but also occasionally likes a glass of white wine with dinner. She’s also a former winery worker who still picks her own grapes.
“My tastes change as I try new things,” she said.
Her husband, Bruce, who attends the festival with her, is more of a beer patron. The event offers something for each.
“It’s gotten so popular,” Smith said, “that you almost want to make sure that you go early to get a table.”
The fundraiser boasts an increased profile among other supporters, too. Tom Harpring, DSI’s communications director, mentioned that sponsorship revenue has doubled in recent years.
The event also features a live auction and will include music from artists Natalie Royal and Columbus native Kristen Wright.
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What: Annual D-Vine Winter Wine and Beer Festival, featuring 16 Indiana wineries and three breweries.
When: 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday.
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus.
Why: To support programs at Columbus’ Developmental Services Inc., a nonprofit agency helping mentally and physically disabled people live and work as independently as possible.
Music: By Columbus native Kristen Wright and Natalie Royal, performing both separately and together.
Admission: $20 in advance at dsiservices.org or $25 at the door.
Information: 812-376-9404 or disservices.org.
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