CLEARFIELD – Looking forward to a romantic evening? Dim the lights and pour yourself a glass of “50 Shades of Blush.” This sweet, blush wine, blended and named by Stephen Mollica, Debbie Gmerek and Pam Trude, is a delicious blend of aurora grape.
This trio won the right to be part of this unique process by being the highest bidders at last fall’s Anne S. Thacik Charity Auction. The win empowered them to select the juices used, design the label for the wine, make the final decision in the blending process and participate in the bottling activities last month.
Taste tests occurred at several points during the fermentation process, and toward the end of the process, several chemical tests were run to measure acidity and alcohol content. Everything must be approved by the state Liquor Control Board.
Gmerek stated that the whole experience was fun and awesome. She commented, “Starr Hill was so good to work with and the proceeds back to the agency are for such a great cause.”
Mollica, Gmerek and Trude said they had a wonderful time, as they aided winery staff in bottling their creation. Together they hand bottled, corked, capped, labeled and packed about 500 bottles of wine. The wine will debut at the Groundhog Trail Wine Festival on Saturday and will then be available at all Starr Hill Winery locations.
The group came up with the name of the wine together, playing off the upcoming release of the movie “50 Shades of Grey” and Mollica designed their label.
Starr stated, “It is always a pleasure working with folks who have the opportunity to create their own wine. We promote the agency throughout Pennsylvania and people are always looking forward to the new blend.
“Starr Hill Winery has been a proud sponsor of the auction for many years and the opportunity to blend, bottle and name your own wine has always been one of the highest bid items.”
The public is invited to stop by any of the Starr Hill outlets to sample and purchase “50 Shades of Blush.” Part of the proceeds from the sale of this wine will be donated to the Friends of the Area Agency on Aging Auxiliary to support their programs and services.
Starr Hill will offer the same privilege (to create, name and bottle your own wine) at the next Anne S. Thacik Charity Auction scheduled for Oct. 8.
