IWAKUNI, Japan - Station residents celebrated Marine Corps Community Services’ 12th Annual Wine Festival at the Club Iwakuni Ballroom here, March 9, 2013
“We have wine from Mexico, Argentina and all over,” said Andrew Chung,MCCS Divisional sales manager. “We have more than 100 different types of wine and it was a difficult logistical effort getting all the vendors together and selecting which wines we would have as well as how we would get them here.”
Tasting wine can be an all-day event. Therefore, MCCS provided food and snacks for patrons to enjoy, including pasta, roast pork, fruit and several types of cheese.
“We work in conjunction with the exchange to bring in a lot of the alcohol and numerous vendors to bring in our vast variety of food,” said Chad Landry, Club Iwakuni General Manager. “We do a raw bar, with raw oysters and clams, as well as sushi and different chef specialties.”
Patrons filled the ballroom during the event as the line stretched outside and down the hallway. The 500 tickets for the event
sold out. MCCS organizers originally thought that to be a sufficient number to sell.
“We sell 500 tickets and we usually sell out about two-to-three weeks after the tickets go on sale,” said Landry. “This event is one of the most popular events that we do all year.”
It was obvious from the smiling faces everyone was having fun.
“I have been here almost three years,” said Manuel Valenciacantu, 12th Annual Wine Festival attendee. “This is my first time coming to the wine festival and now I regret not coming before. Since I’m going to be here another three years, I plan on coming back. My favorite wine so far has been the Casablanca. I’m not sure where it comes from, but it has a great flavor to it.”
Many patrons enjoyed the night and already look forward to next year’s event, and the upcoming Fall Harvest Festival, which is another popular MCCS event featuring beer from across the globe.