Save The Date For This Bonita Springs Wine Tasting Benefit
Food and wine events are big in Southwest Florida. Not only are they fun for foodies. But they also make great fund raisers for local non-profits. If you like these events, along with animals and nature, then here is a brand new one to take note of. Save the date for this Bonita Springs wine tasting benefit at Wonder Gardens.
Wine and Wonder Uncorked, A Tasting in the Gardens, is an inaugural event to raise money for the historic property. The event is inspired by the success of the annual “Brews for the Birds” craft beer festival. This time wine is the fund raising focus.
Proceeds from Wine and Wonder Uncorked benefit the resident animals at the Wonder Gardens. Animals like these popular flamingos. Funds also go towards proper husbandry of the horticultural collection found here.
Bonita Springs wine tasting
The wines come from Boisset wineries in Napa and Sonoma, California as well as Burgundy, France. Presenting the wines is Emily Roberts, the owner and wine concierge of Oakwood Vines. She is scheduled to bring a selection of eight wines including, reds, whites, sparkling and roses.
In addition to the wine, there will be cheese and snacks to match, along with food. Local restaurants are lining up to sell some of their special menu items to pair with the wines. Finally, guests will be able to stroll through the grounds of the iconic gardens, meet the resident animals and enjoy the flora and fauna.
The event is Saturday, December 2nd from 5:30 to 8:30. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance on the Wonder Gardens’ website. While the Wonder Gardens is always family friendly, this event is for the 21 and up crowd only. Check your calendar and save the date for this Bonita Springs wine tasting benefit. It’s a party with a purpose.
Wonder Gardens Welcome Center Reopens In Bonita Springs
It’s been closed since Hurricane Ian hit last summer. However, today the Wonder Gardens Welcome Center reopens in Bonita Springs. The gardens have been open to the public for a couple of months. However, the entrance was improvised until the welcome center was repaired. A tree fell on the corner of the building damaging the roof and interior. Besides serving as the gateway to the gardens and animal experiences, the Wonder Shoppe is full of animal and plant-themed toys and gifts, many of which support local businesses and artists. They also promote conservation and education.
Bonita Springs Wonder Gardens
This “Old Florida” attraction off of Old 41 has been welcoming tourists since the 1960’s as Everglades Wonder Gardens. Over the years the mission has changed and today it’s a non-profit, home to native flora, fauna, and more than 300 animals. For decades, the flock of American Flamingos has been the main attraction. However, that flock is now down to two bird. Both were hatched on Wonder Gardens property during the 1960’s/ 1970’s. Their pink color is starting to fade as they age but they are still graceful and fascinating to watch in their lagoon.
Wonder Gardens activities
You can feed the animals during special, daily encounters. Staffers lead visitors into turtle pins, lorikeet aviaries and along the the alligator pit. They provide food, and instructions and let you do the work. The lorikeets are the most interactive, perching on your shoulders, arms and even head.
Check out this video of the alligators. Some are about to outgrow the pond and will be relocated soon.
It’s a great place to take visitors and fun to explore with kids. Bonita Springs residents enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of the month. The Wonder Gardens Welcome Center reopens in Bonita Springs today. Visitors do not need to be paid Wonder Gardens guests to shop the unique items found here.
Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.
