Local nonprofit organization Forum 35 will host its next Uncorked event tonight at Baton Rouge’s Old State Capitol.
Uncorked is part wine tasting, part competition. At each of these events, Forum 35 invites guests to bring three identical bottles of wine. The brand of wine is entirely up to the attendee, although Forum 35 does choose a different wine varietal for each event. Thursday’s varietal will be Rosé.
Upon entering the venue, guests will give their wine to a Forum 35 employee, who will then bag the wine and assign it a number so that the brands stay a mystery.
Next, the patrons are free to sample the wines, indulge in some food or take in the music and the atmosphere.
At the end of the evening, ballots will be passed out, and the attendees will vote on their favorite and least favorite wine by number.
After the votes are tallied, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be awarded with an assortment of wines to take home – the grand prize is usually between 30 and 40 bottles.
“We also call the loser, whoever brought the worst wine, up on stage and give them their wine back,” said Uncorked co-chair Blake Tolbird. “We make a presentation out of it.”
Forum 35’s first Uncorked event took place in 2007. The focus of the event has always been on providing for a good cause while offering a fun night for wine lovers.
Each Uncorked event serves to benefit a different charity. The proceeds from Thursday’s affair will directly benefit Baton Rouge Bridge Academy, a charter school serving North Baton Rouge students with a focus on preparing underprivileged youth for college.
The organization tends to select downtown venues in an effort to aid the resurgence of Baton Rouge’s downtown social scene. This is the first time the event will be held at the Old State Capitol.
Throughout the year, Forum 35 hosts a number of events that aim to foster leadership in the local youth and their communities. These events range from Viva il Vino, a fundraiser in which guests are treated to a wine-paired dinner and an auction, to monthly socials that celebrate the accomplishments of the organization.
The last social took place on June 8 at Barcadia. A full calendar of events can be found on Forum 35’s website.
Forum 35 also engages in service projects throughout Baton Rouge, such as serving food with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or assisting in the building of houses with Habitat for Humanity.
“There are different aspects of Forum 35,” said Tolbird. “There are service projects that directly benefit the community, and there are events like Uncorked which partner with local charities to give back.”
Tolbird encouraged any LSU students interested in getting involved with Forum 35 to sign up to volunteer on the organization’s website.