Here's to 'sport'

Do you consider yourself a bit of a wine connoisseur? Do you know your merlot from your shiraz, your pinot gris from your pouilly fum? Can you spot the difference between a hint of fig and a hint of plum? Know how to spit?

Now you can test your abilities at the Taranaki Masters Games Wine Appreciation event.

While wine appreciation might not be considered a traditional sport, organiser Donna van den Beuken says that it offers competitors the opportunity to participate in something "a little different".

The competition will be run by Team Hope as a fundraiser, with all proceeds going towards the local charity group.

Donna believes there will be some fierce competition at the inaugural event - "I imagine most people had a fair bit of practise appreciating wine over the holiday season".

The competition was inspired by the South Island Master Games in Timaru which runs a similar event.

"Donna Millar, who is also a part of Team Hope, heard about the South Island event and suggested that we give it a go."

Teams of four will taste up to eight different wines and be quizzed on various aspects of the drink, ranging from the make up of flavours to the origins of the name.

"We want it to be a fun, social event that gives people the opportunity to try something new."

The event is open to competitors aged 35 and over in teams of four but there are limited spots available.

"There is a maximum of 15 teams so entries need to be in quick."

Ensuring that it is a safe and fun evening for everyone, Donna says a supper will be provided for entrants and a taxi service will be available so people can get home safely.

-The Taranaki Masters Wine Appreciation competition will be held on Thursday, March 12 from 7pm.

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.taranakielectricitytrust.co.nz/masters-games.htm.

All entries received before February 13 go into the draw to win a $2000 travel voucher.