'Drink red, wear red'

VAIL - Everyone was seeing red at Larkspur on Nov. 18.

"Drink Red, Wear Red" is the precursor to the Vail Valley Wine Auction, and the second year was even better than the first for this non-traditional event. It's geared towards the younger segment (in attitude, as well as age), and the fun can geta little wild. "Blues Fuse" from Aspen kept everyone dancing until the bar closed down.

The money raised goes to several educational organizations.

"National Distributing and Larkspur have helped us create the hottest party of the season," said Barbara Duncan, who organized the event with Carolyn Connolly. "We're grateful for all of their support and continuing assistance to raise funds for education."

Decorative touches included luminarias edging the walkway to Larkspur's wine cellar, where it took two hours to hang individual red wine tags on each bottle, spelling out "R-E-D" in gigantic cursive script. That's attention to detail.

The tickets were sold out days ahead, and virtually everyone was decked out in red and black, red and white, or just plain red. Where Popeye found a red zoot suit is beyond me - perhaps he's been raiding Packy's closet?

National Distributing Company provided the wine and many of its local reps were on hand pouring some great vino from around the world. Larkspur served up some fabulous foods, including a wide variety of cheeses and a decadent black forest cake (with red cherry sauce, of course).

Marcie Jaeger, recuperating from knee surgery, wasn't going to let a little thing like crutches get in her way. Using some duct tape, she made a cup holder on her crutch that perfectly cradled her glass of Mumm.

One of the best parts was at the Ketel One station, where sour apple martinis and cosmos were mixed in a most inventive way - by pouring the mixture through plastic tubing ensconced in a solid ice vodka bottle. The drinks were tasty, but dangerous.

On the social radar

This year's "Tree of Lights" ceremonies will be at 6:30 p.m., Friday at the County Building in Eagle, and at 6:30 p.m., Monday in the Edwards Village Business Center. The event is for the Mountain Hospice.

On the social radar

This year's "Tree of Lights" ceremonies will be at 6:30 p.m., Friday at the County Building in Eagle, and at 6:30 p.m., Monday in the Edwards Village Business Center. The event is for the Mountain Hospice.

Vail, Colorado