2026 World of Wine

World of Wine Celebrates Eight Years of Community, Generosity & the Arts

MACA’s 8th Annual World of Wine brought together 125 guests, sponsors, and supporters on August 27 for an evening of South African wines, food, friendship, and generosity at the Kahite Community Center.

And there was plenty to celebrate. Thanks to an incredible response from our community, World of Wine exceeded its fundraising goal, providing important support for MACA arts programs throughout Monroe County.

This year also marked exciting growth for World of Wine, with increased sponsorship and ticket support, a successful first-ever online auction, a sold-out Wine Pull, and new opportunities for donors to directly support MACA programs.

Behind that success was the real story of the evening, a community coming together around the belief that the arts matter.

Eight Years of World of Wine

World of Wine began with a simple idea. Eight years ago, Lee Cross of Merrill Lynch suggested to Joan Mulliner that MACA create a fundraiser for Kahite community members who weren’t golfers. From that conversation, World of Wine was born and has grown into one of MACA’s signature fundraising events.

Where Every Pour Tells a Story

This year’s theme, “Where Every Pour Tells a Story,” came to life from the moment guests entered the KCC. Inspired by South Africa’s wine country, the decorating committee transformed the space through beautiful décor and storytelling.

Double-sided framed displays paired stories about South African wines with stories of MACA’s impact in Monroe County. Children discovering theatre and summer arts camps, seniors creating and connecting through art, and families experiencing the arts together.

The committee created a visual storytelling experience, connecting what guests were tasting with why they had gathered in the first place. Their creativity and attention to detail made Where Every Pour Tells a Story more than a theme. It became part of the evening.

New Ideas, Wonderful Results

For the first time, World of Wine included an online auction, and supporters embraced it. Experiences from hosted dinners and tastings to a Cades Cove tour and sunset cruise generated enthusiastic bidding.

The online auction alone surpassed the entire 2025 silent auction, and overall auction revenue increased more than 55% over last year.

Another new idea gave supporters an even more direct connection to MACA’s mission. “Buy Now” opportunities invited donors to support Summer Arts Camps, Middle School Music, Pre-K & the Arts, and Multi-Generational Programs. Every opportunity purchased generated $1,000 in direct program support.

And the Wine Pull sold out early! Thanks to generous donations from individuals and wine stores, guests knew their $20 pull might reveal a premium bottle, including wines valued at $60, $80, $160 and even more than $300. Every dollar raised through the Wine Pull goes directly to support MACA programs.

2026 World of Wine Sponsors

We are grateful to our sponsors whose generous support helped make the World of Wine possible.

With Special Thanks

World of Wine is truly a team effort. Our heartfelt thanks to the committee members who gave generously of their time, creativity, talents, and energy to make this year’s event such a success.

2026 World of Wine Committee
Joan Mulliner • Rachel Kohn • Carol Ann Johnson • Gail Buehl • Tracy Burris • Julie Hille • Cynde Hoffman • Koco Howard • Diane Palansky • Kristin Rector • Mona Saga • Tami Stankoven • Carrie Taylor

And to the Many Who Helped

So many others shared their time and talents in the days leading up to World of Wine and throughout the evening.

A very special thank you to Angie, Lisa, and the KCC team, whose wonderful food, thoughtful service, and attention throughout the evening were such an important part of the World of Wine experience.

We are also grateful to Debbie Michel, whose help administering our first online auction was invaluable; and to Barb Klever, who filled the evening with music on the keyboard.

We were also delighted to showcase the creativity of our community through the work of Richard Coda, Margo Kelleher, and Alex Bowler, who displayed original art available for purchase during the evening.

And to the volunteers who helped with setup, guest experience, auction details, Wine Pull, and the countless tasks behind the scenes. Thank you for helping bring World of Wine to life.

Kelly Bryan • Trish Delagardelle • Jeanne Hoppenjans • Aggie Jacobs • Lynn Laurence • Debbie Michel • Gary Mulliner • Bruce Palansky • Jeffrey Rector • Jennifer Rasmussen • Suzy Short • Mike Stankoven • Barb Woods

GALLERY PHOTOS by Bruce Palansky