Several local businesses have joined forces for a heartfelt cause on Friday, Nov. 7, as The Wine Merchant, Café Napoli and Pinnacle Imports host Nora’s Sparkle of Love Project’s Wine & Spirit Tasting and fundraising event honoring the memory of 7-year-old Nora Bunn. The event will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wine Merchant located at 9200 Olive Blvd. in Olivette, with all proceeds going to support pediatric brain tumor research and families affected by childhood brain cancer.
Nora Bunn bravely battled DIPG Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer, before passing away at age 7. In response to their daughter’s diagnosis and fight, Nora’s parents, Brent and Jani Bunn, launched Nora’s Sparkle of Love Project to raise funds for research into better detection, treatments, and a cure. The project also aims to provide resources and support for other families facing similar challenges.
In honor of Nora, her family partnered with Limerick Lane Winery, The Wine Merchant’s Jason Main, Café Napoli’s Ande Pietoso, and Pinnacle Imports’ Bill Kniep to create a special wine, a 2023 Limerick Lane Cellars Cuvée Nora Belle Zinfandel, Russian River Valley. With a “purpose with every pour,” the elegant and layered Zinfandel is composed of rich notes of blackberry, cherry, raspberry, cracked pepper, and spice. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample and purchase the wine at the event.
The $150 general admission ticket includes tastings of more than 20 rare wines from regions including Champagne, Burgundy, Napa and Sonoma, as well as a curated whiskey tasting featuring a private barrel of Four Roses Bourbon and a hand-selected Scotch. Attendees will also enjoy gourmet bites catered by Café Napoli, access to a live auction, and a limited-edition Sparkle of Love wine glass.
Optional VIP add-ons include a $150 rare wine tasting experience and a $125 rare whiskey tasting featuring a 1-ounce pour of vintage of an Old Forester Bourbon from 1950. VIP whiskey guests will receive a limited-edition Nora’s Sparkle of Love Glencairn tasting glass. A general admission ticket is required for all VIP add-ons.
Support is also welcomed through direct donations to the Sparkle of Love Project or by purchasing bottles of the Cuvée Nora Belle Zinfandel wine. The evening promises fine wine, community spirit and meaningful purpose all in support of Nora’s legacy and the fight against childhood cancer. Purchase your tickets here.