EatDrinkMadison.com is pleased to feature an article from guest blogger Stephanie Caine of the Arthritis Foundation.

The Arthritis Foundation held its 12th Annual International Wine Tasting on Saturday, Nov. 6, at Full Compass Systems. The venue was alive with theatrical lighting, purple linens, pleasant jazz from the John Vitale group, and of course, an amazing collection of the area’s best in food and beverage.

Whole Foods Market selected the wine vendors, in addition to providing a spread of domestic and imported cheeses and other snacks—beautifully laid out and decorated with evergreens foreshadowing the holiday season.

Local winery Botham Vineyards provided souvenir tasting glasses, while Yahara Bay Distillers and Potosi Brewery added to the variety. There was truly something for everyone and much more than just wine at this tasting.

Also highlighting the lineup were the National Mustard Museum, Gail Ambrosius, Vom Fass and Shinji Muramoto, who assembled appetizers on stage as cameras fed the action to guests around the venue via large plasma displays. Certified Advanced Sommelier Toni Johnson of Professional Wine Consultants was on hand to share her immense knowledge of wine.

This year’s Wine Tasting included brief words by people of various ages with arthritis, who thanked guests for supporting the Arthritis Foundation. For instance, five-year-old Addie, who has juvenile arthritis, explained that she likes the regular shots the disease requires her to get because they make her knees feel better.

The Foundation funds vital research as well as local programs and services for those with arthritis. There were several fun ways to support the cause on that Saturday, including fabulous live and silent auctions, a mystery cork sale and an appeal for Camp M.A.S.H., a summer camp for kids with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation sends its sincere thanks to everyone involved with the 2010 International Wine Tasting, for making it a great success!