NBA Champion Coach to Taste Great Pinot Noir and Benefit Pediatric Cancer Foundation

Hinsdale, IL, October 03, 2005 --(PR.com)-- “Yes!” Gregg Popovich, coach of the NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs and wine lover, has graciously accepted Damien Casten and Tanya Hart’s invitation to come to Hinsdale, Illinois to taste a selection of one of the world’s greatest wines, Domaine de la Romanée Conti (DRC). The event will raise at least $40,000 with all proceeds to benefit Chicago based Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Coach Popovich recently told Sports Illustrated that although he is an avid collector he has never tasted a wine from the DRC because "it’s hard to find and expensive." He can say that again. Single bottles of Domaine de la Romanée Conti’s most recent vintage cost between $250 and $3000! “As wine lovers, Tanya and I would go to great lengths to taste these wines, so we figured Coach Popovich might do the same” says Casten, President of Candid Wines. “Clearly he shares our passion for wine. We suspect that for most of our attendees this will be a once in a lifetime experience.”

The event, limited to 20 attendees, will be held at Tanya Hart’s family owned wine shop, A Taste of Vino, on Sunday, November 6th at 7:00PM. Tickets are available through Bear Necessities’ website (www.bearnecessities.org) or A Taste of Vino (630-325-8466). Individual tickets cost $2500.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Bear Necessities has joined the relief effort. Part of the proceeds from this event will support pediatric cancer patients evacuated to Chicagoland for treatment. Hart and Casten are proud to be associated with these efforts. The two host a monthly event called "Cellar Club" at Hart’s shop exploring the world's greatest wines. “This will be an extension of Cellar Club”, says Hart, “blending our interest in supporting worthy causes with an intimate, educational tasting of one of the world’s best wines. Hinsdale and the surrounding communities are extremely generous, and while A Taste of Vino hosts dozens of charitable events each year, this unique combination promises to be our greatest fundraiser yet.”

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Tanya Hart is the proprietor of A Taste of Vino in Hinsdale, Illinois. She regularly hosts private events for local charities supporting education, the arts, and health care. After over twenty years in the wine business, her shop clearly combines her passion for great wine and education in a comfortable, neighborhood atmosphere. Please contact Tanya at 630 325 8466 or atasteofvino@sbcglobal.net. 

Damien Casten trained in France and cooked at the Michelin three star Lucas Carton in Paris before co-founding Candid Wines where he organizes unique food and wine experiences for busy professionals and corporate boards. Candid specializes in pairing its own hand selected wines from around the world with the creations of some of Chicagoland’s best chefs.