Park Square Cellar Celebrates Annual Wine Fest
By Jennifer Silverstein
Twice a year, Park Square Cellar, hosts a free wine festival for the greater Brandon community, which features more 100 wines to taste, light hors d’oeuvres and live music by jazz musician Gene Cannon. This year, the event is scheduled for Saturday, March 13, from 1 – 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 14, from 1 – 4 p.m. The event also includes a 15 percent off sale of six bottles or more. “This will be our ninth wine festival that we have hosted. We have been sponsoring these large wine events each spring and fall since March 2006,” explains Mary Sarkisian, co-proprietor of the cellar. “There is no other wine shop in the area that offers the community the chance to taste over 100 wines, sample some great food, and listen to live jazz music, all for free. We expect over 500 people to attend the fest. This is an opportunity not to be missed!” Park Square Cellar has reason to celebrate. Last summer, Mary and her husband, Shawn fell victim to the slow economy and made the tough decision to cut their losses and close their shop. Two days before closing, however, the Sarkisians were approached by friend and customer, Kevin Fulcher. He offered to help keep the store alive. Two months later, the Sarkisians, with new business partner Fulcher, reopened The Cellar. Along with new beers on tap – like Florida’s own Orange Blossom Pilsner and Brooklyn Brewery’s Black Chocolate Stout, the cellar went through additional transformations such as adding a big screen TV in the wine bar room, a new sound system throughout the store, outdoor seating with murals painted by artist Bob Schott, and a new Wine and Beer of the Month Club. Club members receive five percent off all their retail and bar purchases, receive a free bottle of wine each time they refer a friend to the club and have exclusive use of the wine bar. “The wine and beer club has been a huge success for us,” says Shawn. “The community has really supported us since reopening. We are grateful for the support we received and very excited about our future plans. Over 250 families have joined our wine and beer club to date, and it continues to grow every day.” The 15 percent off sale begins on Friday, March 12, and will continue throughout the weekend. No reservations are necessary. Park Square Cellar, located at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Park Square in the heart of FishHawk Ranch, is closed Mondays; open Tuesday – Thursday, 2 – 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m.– 12 Midnight; and Sunday, from 2 – 6 p.m. For directions or more information on the event, call Park Square Cellar at 689-4560 or visit www.parksquarecellar.com.
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