The great Pennsylvania wine toast

In recent years, the Pennsylvania wine industry has begun to enjoy a huge growth in popularity. Riding on the cusp of our state’s emerging popularity for our wines, the Pennsylvania wine industry is going for another goal. On August 14th, 2010, the state’s wineries will attempt to break the Guinness World Records for the world’s largest wine tasting in an event called, “The Great Pennsylvania Wine Toast.” Set on May 21st, 2008, the current record for the world’s largest wine tasting at multiple venues is held by the United Kingdom.

The Pennsylvania Winery Association has enlisted the help of a famous Pennsylvanian who knows a thing or two about both speed and wine. Racing legend, Mario Andretti a native and resident of Nazareth, PA, as well as, the owner of a winery, will serve as toastmaster for this event. Simultaneously via video, the toast will be delivered to all participating wineries. The PWA is currently holding a contest now through June 20th to seek the ultimate toast. On June 21st, the Pennsylvania Winery Association will choose the five best toasts and a public poll will be used to determine the “Ultimate Pennsylvania Wine Toast.” Each finalist will receive a passport to a wine trail of his or her choice or a free ticket to a winery event if that wine trail doesn’t have a passport program in place. Each finalist will also receive a PWA t-shirt, corkscrew and wine bag. The Grand Prize will be a 2-night stay in a wine region of choice, dinner with a winemaker and private tour of a winery.

Proceeds from the event will support The Fund to Benefit Children & Youth whose mission is to provide abused, neglected and at-risk children with the items and services they cannot receive from traditional sources.