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15th Annual Wines in the Wild Honors Sanibel’s 50th

SCCF’s 15th annual Wines in the Wild was a more exceptional evening than ever this year thanks to a special tribute to the City of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary as well as being held in winter instead of fall.
Held under the starlit skies at the sprawling Bailey Homestead Preserve, the cool winter’s eve added to the magical ambiance with a bonfire and twinkling fairy lights that warmed guests and lit the way between five food and wine stations.
Instead of kicking off the fall season as it has since 2008, this year’s fundraiser was rescheduled to Jan. 10 due to the fall hurricanes. It also took a novel turn by featuring an auction dedicated to the 1974 incorporation of the City of Sanibel.
More than 250 guests and sponsors strolled along the meandering trail, where some of the island’s favorite chefs paired delectable dishes with wines selected by resident oenophile, auctioneer, and Wines in the Wild Co-Chair Tom Uhler.
“The atmosphere was really special at this year’s event. It felt like a true celebration of our community’s extraordinary commitment to conservation as we also honored the vital role the City has played in protecting our Sanctuary Island,” said Co-Chair Linda Uhler.
Presenting sponsor Bank of the Islands was joined by another 60 sponsors in supporting SCCF’s mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems through the exceedingly well-loved signature fundraiser. Remaining general admission tickets sold out in less than 10 minutes.
Auction highlights included a Wine Dinner at Cielo for four couples hosted by Tom Uhler, who selected three 1974 vintage bottles to be served.
“The eight lucky winners and Tom will be joined by a VIP guest — Sanibel’s first mayor Porter Goss — to bring the history and future of our beloved Sanctuary Island into the dinner conversation,” said Linda Uhler.
To purchase wines that were served at the event, please click on this QR code.
Kitchen and wine partners included Bailey’s, Catering by Leslie Adams, Cielo, Green Flash, Shima, Pinocchio’s, The Timbers, and Tutti Pazzi. For a full list of sponsors, please visit sccf.org/wines.