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Fine wines and fun times for a fancy Dan

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 2:21 GMT by The Irish News
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Fine Wines and Fun Times for a Fancy Dinner – A Night of Luxury, Learning, and Philanthropy

Published in the Irish News, the feature “Fine wines and fun times for a fancy dinner” takes readers inside an exclusive, one‑night tasting and fundraising event that promised an indulgent evening of gourmet food, curated wine pairings and a chance to support a worthy cause.

The Event at a Glance

The headline‑making dinner took place on Saturday, 12 April 2024 at the Glencar Estate in County Galway, a picturesque venue known for its lush vineyards and award‑winning architecture. The organisers, The Fine Wine Society (TWS) in partnership with The Galway Chamber of Commerce, invited a select group of wine lovers, chefs, and local dignitaries to enjoy a five‑course menu paired with twelve hand‑picked wines from Ireland’s finest vineyards as well as select producers from France, Italy and Spain.

The evening was billed as a “charity gala” – all proceeds from ticket sales (price: €250 per person) would go to The Galway Hospice, a local charity that supports patients and their families. According to the Irish News piece, TWS had previously raised over €150,000 for the Hospice through its annual “Wine & Wellness” event, and this year’s dinner was expected to add a fresh chapter to that legacy.

What Made the Dinner Special

1. Curated Wine Selection

The article highlighted the thoughtful pairing process. Each course was matched to a wine that amplified the dish’s flavours while showcasing the diversity of Irish winemaking. Some of the featured wines included:

The Irish News article linked to the Wine & Spirits page on the Galway Chamber’s website for readers who wanted more detail about each wine’s production and tasting notes.

2. Five‑Course Menu

The evening’s menu, curated by the estate’s renowned chef Eoin Ó Dúgáin, was a showcase of local produce:

1. Starter – Seared scallops with a pea purée, served with a glass of Cork Cuvée.
2. First Course – Wild mushroom risotto, paired with Killybegs Cabernet.
3. Second Course – Roast beef with a rosemary jus, matched to Glenara Malbec.
4. Third Course – Seafood paella with saffron, complemented by Antrim Sparkling.
5. Dessert – Dark chocolate tart with a sea‑salt drizzle, finished with Ardara Chardonnay.

Ó Dúgáin explained that the menu’s progression was designed to take guests through the entire spectrum of Irish terroir and culinary traditions.

3. Guest Speakers and Entertainment

In addition to the tasting, the article reported that Mary O’Connor, a celebrated Irish sommelier and a long‑time patron of the Galway Hospice, delivered a short talk on the health benefits of moderate wine consumption. The event also featured live acoustic music by the local folk band The Galway Bards, whose set was described as “warm, intimate, and perfectly suited to the venue’s ambience.”

Charity Impact

The Irish News article made it clear that the event was not just a night of indulgence; it was a strategic fundraiser for the Galway Hospice. According to the Hospice’s website (linked in the original article), the Hospice provides palliative care, counselling, and respite services for patients battling life‑limiting illnesses and their families. The donation received from this gala is projected to fund new patient beds, staff training, and community outreach programmes.

TWS’s CEO, Seán Gallagher, said in a quoted interview that the partnership with the Hospice “aligns perfectly with our mission to use wine as a means to bring people together and support our community.”

How to Get Involved

For readers interested in attending the next event, the article linked to the TWS website’s “Upcoming Events” page where tickets could be purchased. The site offered an early‑bird discount (10 % off for orders placed before 1 May). The Irish News article also mentioned that the Glencar Estate hosts a wine‑tasting tour every Thursday evening at a reduced price, which provides an affordable way to experience some of the same wines featured at the gala.

Final Thoughts

“Fine wines and fun times for a fancy dinner” paints a vivid picture of an evening where luxury meets altruism. By marrying the artistry of Irish winemaking with a cause that touches the lives of many in County Galway, the event demonstrates how gourmet culture can have a tangible, positive impact on the community.

The Irish News article, through its clear description and useful links, invites readers not only to savour a night of wine and food but also to reflect on the power of collective generosity. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious about the burgeoning Irish wine scene, the event’s blend of education, entertainment, and empathy offers a compelling reason to mark your calendar (and perhaps donate) for the next gala.