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ASHLAND -- The Paramount Arts Center has "grape" expectations for today's wine and spirit sampling party.

After all, last year's event generated $7,000 for the performing arts venue.

Sponsored by Bridges Magazine and Carter Avenue Beverage Center, Grape Expectations is now in its fourth year as a fundraiser for the Paramount. Guests can mingle onstage from 6 to 9 p.m. today.

Tickets are $25, which includes admission, heavy hors d'oeuvres catered by the Bellefonte Country Club and tasting tickets.

"The numbers for this event are growing every year. This year, we'll possibly see between 250 and 300 people," said John Gallaher of Bridges. "We always do this the first Friday in November, which coordinates with the city of Ashland's First Friday events, and it's a nice evening out for everyone."

First-timers shouldn't worry about feeling out of place at a wine tasting. Gallaher noted that, though they tried to present a "proper" wine tasting the first year, he quickly discovered something: people didn't care.

"A few people like that proper wine tasting atmosphere, but mostly people just come to have a good time. Nobody's worrying about doing it 'correctly.' They're talking, enjoying themselves, and there's very little of the 'fancy' stuff," Gallaher said.

This year's wine tasting features an added bonus for participants. Gallaher, who owns printing and communications company The Gallaher Group, printed tickets on "drop stops," which provides a take-home souvenir for guests.

"My guess is that most people have no idea what these are, but they cost about $5 if you go out and buy them and they slide down in the opening of the wine bottle to prevent drips escaping from the bottle," he said. "You don't want to throw these away."

The evening will conclude with an auction.

For tickets, call 606-324-3175.

Courtesy of the Paramount Arts Center

The annual Grape Expectations wine-tasting event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Paramount Arts Center. The event is a fundraiser for the historic facility.

Courtesy of the Paramount Arts Center

The annual Grape Expectations wine-tasting event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Paramount Arts Center. The event is a fundraiser for the historic facility.