The Forks & Corks VIP kick off was held Jan. 24 at Sarasota Porsche.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 4:09 p.m. January 24, 2019
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The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is gearing up for its 12th annual Forks & Corks, but not without first giving VIP supporters a sneak peek.
Inside Sarasota Porsche, attendees sipped wines and tasted light bites for a sampling of the festival. Forks & Corks will be hosted Jan. 27 at The Ringling.
D'Arcy Arpke and Co-Chairman Michael Klauber
A champagne wall greeted guests upon their arrival.
Jordan Oliveira-Heller, Asa Thomas and Dan Starostecki
Tony Fitzgerald and Donita Gildchrist
Karen Beach and Maryanne Andrews
Co-Chairman Michael Klauber and Vance Dickinson
Elaina Mand and Lauren Tominelli
Patrick Walls and Dell Bauslaugh with Bill and Danielle Schulz
Executive Director Sarah Firstenberger thanks guests for coming.
Beth Owen-Cipielewski is the President of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals and Co-Owner of Siesta Key Oyster Bar.
Mallory and Fran Groutt
The event was held at Sarasota Porsche.
Executive Director Sarah Firstenberger with Co-Chairman Michael and Terri Klauber
Megan Bogart and Debbie Mrstik
Susan Wood and Joseph Phillips
Dawn Shay and Erin McGregor
A handful of the wineries came to the kick off event to serve their wines.
Britt Rader, Erin Moran and Becca Chin-Yee
There were a couple restaurants in attendance to sample out their dishes.
Bell Wine Cellars had a "best in show" wine last year.
