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Orlando Wine Festival & Auction raises $1 million for OMYF

Written By Scott Joseph On March 31, 2023

OMWF23 lawn

The third Orlando Magic-sponsored Orlando Wine Festival & Auction took place March 24 -26 with 420 attendees participating in wine dinners, tastings, and an auction, culminating with the Magic game Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets.

The event raised over $1 million for the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, according to Trish Wingerson, director of public relations for the Magic. Some of the monies came from the sale of packages – the minimum was $2500 for two people to attend the Saturday afternoon tasting and the dinner and auction, all at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes. Those who shelled out $6500 per couple got tickets to the game (and saw the Magic win) as well as an invitation to one of six private dinners cooked by top local chefs in unique settings.

But more money was raised at the live auction. Top sellers included a Bordeaux Rhone visit and a bottle of PC4, Pape Clément that went for $33,000; a six-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Club in Aspen and dinner there with Magic CEO Alex Martins for $32,000; a trip to New York for Fashion Week and a backstage tour with Pamella Roland, $28,000. There apparently weren’t any airline contributors because none of those trips included airfare.

South Steel SJO March AD copy

OMWF23 magic sign

But there was a trip that included a flight. It was to Los Angeles to watch the Magic play the Lakers, and transportation will be aboard the team plane. That went for $22,000 and it was sold twice. The Fashion Week package also went to two lucky bidders.

OMWF23 ballroom

Prior to the auction and dinner, which included entertainment by a popular band, guests roamed the Da Vinci Lawn and sampled wines and food served by some of the participating chefs. Here are some of the sights:

OMWF23 Lalicon

OMWF23 lalicon dish

OMWF23 miliotes

Master sommellier George Miliotes was on hand to answer wine questions.

OMWF23 diatoni

OMWF23 piper

OMWF23 food plates

OMWF23 alex and buddy

Magic CEO Alex Martins and Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer.

OMWF23 jose paella

OMWF23 wine pour

OMWF23 wine bottles

We hope you find our reviews and news articles useful and entertaining. It has always been our goal to assist you in making informed decisions when spending your dining dollars. If we’ve helped you in any way, please consider making a contribution to help us continue our journalism. Thank you.

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