By Rachel Galvin

On Oct. 23, the Museum of Discovery & Science celebrated the 30th Anniversary of its Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration, presented by Bank of America and in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. JM Lexus was the key sponsor.

When guests walked in, they were handed a large wine glass perfect for sampling, and there was plenty to try — not just wines, but also vodka, tequila, rum, bourbon and more. And outside, there was a beer garden. In addition, there were many types of food to taste … a variety of international flavors.

The great thing about this yearly event is not only that there is an abundance of food and drink, but also a wide variety of people to meet. When not mingling or enjoying culinary delights, people could bid on the silent auction. They also could vote on their favorite restaurants and drink purveyors.

The event benefits the museum’s STEMobile outreach program.

Before the Grand Tasting even began, there was a Pearl Reserve Cocktail Hour and then an hour for VIP. In addition, they had a food truck experience from 8 to 10 p.m. on Second Street.

When the party was through, it was not really over. It just meant the after party was about to begin. The DJ spun in the courtyard, where people had more drinks and grabbed some free pizza.

People were dressed as pirates and mermaids and took some photos. People could also get their picture taken and be digitally transformed into one or the other and have the picture embossed on a wine opener and have the picture just sent to them as well.

As always, the event was memorable for everyone involved and left people anxious to come back again next year.

To find out more, visit https://mods.org/series/30th-annual-wine-spirits-and-culinary-celebration/

Photos by Rachel Galvin