Stream bank restoration
The 8th Annual Save Water, Drink Wine, focusing on clean water and healthy communities, will take place on Feb. 8 at The Barn Nursery.
All proceeds benefit WaterWays’ (formerly Caribbean and TenneSEA) ongoing projects, including Stream Teams, educational outreach and watershed restoration efforts.
"Access to clean water is essential to our quality of life," officials said. "Tennessee’s 6.7 million residents rely on the state’s 60,000+ miles of rivers, streams, aquifers and groundwater for drinking water, commerce, power generation and unparalleled outdoor recreation. WaterWays has educated and empowered individuals to protect and restore the water where they live, work and play for more than 15 years. You can help with that mission by simply enjoying some Tennessee-made wines and beer, food and live entertainment."
The 8th annual Save Water, Drink Wine at the Barn Nursery will showcase six wine stations, thanks in part to Athens Distributing and Panoram Imports, paired with appetizers from Chattanooga area favorites including Conga, Mike’s Smokehouse and Dish T’Pass, as well as local beer for the non-wine drinkers. The annual event will once again feature the popular silent auction, focusing on local artisans. Also back by popular demand, a chance for the true wine connoisseur to test his or her skills to win a wine-themed grand prize (last year it was a flight to Napa), sponsored by Virgola wine bar.
Save Water, Drink Wine always features hard to access regional wines, and this year is no exception as attendees can sample award-winning wines from North Carolina wineries, thanks to support from event sponsors like Hamilton County Water Quality.
“Hamilton County’s Water Quality program works hand-in-hand with WaterWays because we both have the same mission of promoting public involvement in the stewardship of the local water environment,” said Program Manager Crystal Bishop. “Teaming up with Save Water, Drink Wine is just one of the ways we work to provide education on the importance of water quality to the environment and the public health.” Other bronze level sponsors include WK Dickson, Lupis Pizza, Barge Design Solutions and Tennessee American Water Company. Watershed station Sponsors include Propex, City of Chattanooga Water Quality and the Tennessee Aquarium.
At the event, guests will enjoy their wine and food pairings while discussing local watershed issues and restoration efforts with partner organizations including the Tennessee Aquarium, the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, Friends of Red Bank Streams, Reflection Riding and the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Alliance.
WaterWays (formerly Caribbean and TenneSEA) was founded and directed by Mary Beth Sutton. "Although the name has changed, the mission has not," officials said. "WaterWays protects and preserves watersheds in the Caribbean and in Tennessee through collaborative projects."
“Pollution from automobiles, factories and agriculture has infiltrated our waterways, and litter has clogged our streams. This is detrimental to the health of the aquatic organisms that inhabit the waterways, and ultimately the humans who depend on it. At WaterWays, we believe that every individual has the power and responsibility to be a steward of their environment.” said Ms.Sutton.
Early Bird tickets to this fundraiser are available for $50 a person on Eventbrite, at The Barn Nursery or The Gear Closet. Designated drivers get in for half-price.
Save Water Drink Wine 2019