I was recently at a fundraiser gala. The event had an open bar for beer and mixed drinks. Guests who wanted wine went to a separate, special wine bar. The wine being poured was from a local winery and was staffed by the winery’s sommelier and employees from the tasting room. Guests could sample any of the wines available for sale and get glasses of their favorites to drink at the event, which was also served with dinner.
The winery had set up a display at the wine bar and was offering half and full cases for sale at a discount, with a portion of the proceeds going to the hosting charity. Cases could be either picked up that evening or shipped (guests willingly paid shipping charges). Turns out that the winery had provided the wine for the event for free in exchange for the retail opportunity—a win-win for the charity, the guests, and the winery.
What a great idea! As you plan your event, think about potential vendors that can provide high-end, desirable menu items. If you’re not in an area that has local wineries, what about a local boutique brewery? This concept would work with a few adjustments for a high-end bakery, too.