Summer Beach Food and Wine Tasting

Stew Leonard’s wine and beer experts have searched the globe and our own backyard to unearth more than 75 summer-worthy sippers to be showcased at this year's annual food, wine and beer tasting event to benefit United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. The tasting will be held Tuesday, June 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stew Leonard’s Grill at Calf Pasture Beach, located in Norwalk, Connecticut.

This is eighth year for the event, however 2012 marks the first year it will be held at Calf Pasture Beach. Noted local singer-songwriter P.J. Pacifico will perform live and a Silent Auction and Chinese Raffle will also be held. All proceeds raised will benefit United Way. United Way works to ensure all at risk children are successful in school and prepared for success in life.

"Our annual food and wine tasting to benefit United Way of Coastal Fairfield County is one of our most popular events and sells out every year," said Stew Leonard, Jr., President and CEO of Stew Leonard's Wines. "This year we are very excited to include a number of microbrew beers on the tasting menu and we know that holding the event at Stew Leonard’s Grill at Calf Pasture Beach will be a hit, too. What a terrific way to kick off the summer and support a great cause!”

Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq., President & CEO of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, expressed her gratitude for Stew Leonard’s continued support. "They are committed to making a positive difference in our community, and we can’t thank them enough for their support of United Way. The funds raised from this event help so many in Coastal Fairfield County to live a happier, healthier life.”

Stew Leonard's Wine specialists have hand-picked this year's selections of wines from around the world, with a special focus on locally produced wines. A few of the local Connecticut wines to be featured include these best bang-for-your-buck selections, each perfect for warm weather drinking. Stew Leonard's beer specialists will also offer a selection of local, handcrafted microbrews.


To complement the variety of beer and wines being served, Stew Leonard's team of chefs has prepared a menu of summertime foods, including:

• Crudités Basket with Two Dips
• International Cheese Platter with Artisan Bread
• Assortment of Sliders
• Mini Lobster Rolls
• Mini Crab Cakes
• California Rolls with Ginger Sauce
• Sicilian Bruschetta
• Marinated Grilled Shrimp with Wasabi Sauce

Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at Stew Leonard's Wines of Norwalk, 55 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 203.750.6162, by visiting www.unitedwaycfc.org, or by contacting Jaimie DeSisto of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County at 203.339.6346. The Hour is the proud Media Sponsor for the Summer Beach Food & Wine Tasting event.

To get to Stew Leonard’s Grill at Calf Pasture Beach, from I-95N take Exit 16, and turn right at end of ramp onto East Avenue. Proceed on East Avenue and enter traffic circle. Take first road out of circle and follow the blue beach area signs.