As promised, it was a night to remember the evening of Boothbay Region Land Trust’s (BRLT) Taste for Place: Wine Tasting & Boat Cruise. The major fundraiser to support the conservation and improvements of Oak Point Farm, BRLT’s newest public preserve and headquarters, raised over $26,000.

The event kicked off at Newagen Seaside Inn with a silent auction of special Maine items donated by Brad Betts, Linda Greenlaw, Kathleen Jones Design, Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Cabbage Island Clambakes, Erica Archer and Hal Moorefield.

The official wine tasting began with two courses of wine and food. Sommelier Erica Archer of Wine Wise guided guests through the experience, describing the flavors and aromas of the delicious wine, all from Central Distributors. Guests were treated to a menu of arancini with asparagus truffle, then pan roasted halibut with roasted mushroom fricassee, grape tomato, baby vegetable and bercy butter.

The evening then continued with Balmy Days Cruises for two more courses of wine and appetizers catered by Lisa Orne Hallinan. The sunset cruise with Captain Bill Campbell and his crew offered views of Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Lower Mark Island, Indiantown Island, Spectacle Island, and Oak Point Farm. Boat guests were even treated to a wave from Mr. Paul Coulombe himself as we motored by his home on Pratts Island.

At the conclusion of the hour long boat cruise, guests retuned to Newagen Seaside Inn for one final course of red wine braised short rib with a cognac peppercorn pan sauce, on a herb roasted potato dial, paired with the 2015 Eberle Syrah. Executive Chef Theron Thomas and Sous Chef Junior Anderson outdid themselves with their delicious creations, while keeping up with a strict serving schedule throughout the evening for over 100 guests.

After dessert and an exciting silent auction turned live by BRLT Executive Director Nick Ullo, guests reluctantly departed for home after 9pm. Before leaving, one guest remarked, ‘You guys [land trust] should start an event planning business!”

This event was made possible thanks to the work of an incredible committee which included co-chairs Kathleen Kennedy and Kathleen Jones, as well as Deezie Flower, Nancy Tindal, Ingrid Roveillo, Nancy Raithel and Penny Pollard. What would have been a nice event was made into a spectacular event due to the incredible kitchen and waitstaff at Newagen Seaside Inn, led by Cherie Scott and Alyssa Allen, and the several Boothbay Region Land Trust volunteers that worked tirelessly during the evening.