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Video and photo by Sera Frederick.
Spirits were lifted by the taste of fine wines during Saturday's Wine Tasting event on Flagler Avenue, including Clancy's Cantina where Kathleen Hughes, at left, was having a good time. The wine tasting was just as popular at the That's Amore restaurant on nearby Pine Street. At these eateries and several other participating establishments, patrons bought wine glasses at nominal prices and various ticket amounts for refills.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Kathleen Hughes knows a good wine when she sees it, but the true test is in the taste.
The 53-year-old accountant was among hundreds of locals and out-of-town visitors who enjoyed the Wine Tasting on Flagler. Hughes, an accountant was at Clancy's Cantina with her friend, Jim Webb, 50, of Ormond-by-the Sea, tasting the reds and whites poured by bartender Chris Connell while dozens of others in the popular restaurant enjoyed the array of wines with the meals.
Hughes said the wine tasting is among myriad activities that make weekend visits to the beachside tourist hub such an enjoyable experience. "I love New Smyrna Beach," she said. "It's so laid back. It kind of reminds me of Cocoa Beach before it got taken over by condos."
On nearby Pine Street, That's Amore, the Italian pizzeria and fine dining, the atmosphere was festive with lots of merriment and plenty of wine toasts in a packed house.
"This is great," said Vincenzo Capuano, who owns the eatery with his twin brother, Pietro, and Chad Schilsky. "Everyone loves to party -- why not?"