SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Wine, food and New Orleans blues are just a few things in store for those in attendance from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Catholic Social Services’ second annual Wine Festival at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.

The festival will include  four hours to taste more than 100 different wines; food from area chefs and restaurants; and music by New Orleans blues artist J.B. Davis. Coconut Dave will play island-themed music on steel drums; there also will be cooking demonstrations, raffles and wine seminars.

Franck Kakou from European Wine Imports will speak to guests about French wine.

Attendees will also receive a complementary tote bag, wine glass, ink pen and wine program for the festival, Ann Stein, festival chairperson, said.

Felix’s Fish Camp, Old South Gumbo, The Original Oyster House, The Fresh Market, Blu Bistro, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, among many others will furnish food, Stein said.

Half-hour Mobile-Tensaw Delta tours on The Pelican pontoon will be available freely for festival attendees. Tours will run from 1 to 5 p.m., Stein said.

Wine from about eight Alabama suppliers will provide the multiple types of white and red wines throughout the day, Stein said.

Two tents will be set up outside with cooking demonstrations, food and live entertainment and of course, wine. 

Wine accessories and goods will also be sold by area suppliers.

“It’s a wonderful event,” Stein said. “We had a great crowd last year with a great quality of people.

“Last year’s was a huge success,” Stein said. “We made almost $21,000 for the Service Center, which allowed them to help 250 households with utilities (in Mobile County).” 

Catholic Social Services this year will use funds raised to help its Service Center with emergency assistance, food banks, clothing, utilities, rent and medicine to those in need, Stein said.

“It’s just a sad situation for the economy right now,” Stein said. “More middle-class families are coming in for assistance than ever before.

“Food banks are running out of food and this is a concern.”

For more information about Catholic Social Services or the Wine Festival contact Ann Stein at 476-7245.