ROYAL CITY - The annual Sip of the Slope wine tasting festival, which is growing in stature and popularity, will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Royal City Community Center.

This will be the third Slip of the Slope. It will be held from 4-7 p.m. at the Royal City Community Center, located at the Royal Golf Course on Dodson Road and Highway 26.

"People came and stayed; the music played and was enjoyed; the good food and the wines were sampled and then savored again. Such was the atmosphere at last year's Sip of the Slope," said Linda Murphy, member of the sponsoring, organizing entity SHOC (Strengthening the Heart of the Community).

The purpose of Sip of the Slope is two-fold. It promotes area wine producers and specialty food stores. And it raises funds for SHOC's community service activities and projects.

SHOC is finalizing arrangements. It will be providing news as it arises. Already new this year is a tasting of several beers produced by St. Brigid's of Moses Lake. Also this year, guests will be able to enjoy a baked potato furnished by Blue Sky Inc.

"Our local wineries have agreed to bring their various vintages for all in attendance to sample," SHOC's Georgene Ricker said.

Returning to Sip of the Slope are Camas Cove Cellars, Gård Vintners, Ginkgo Forest Winery, Foxy Roxy Wines, Frenchman Hills Winery and Neppel Cellar's Estate Wines.

To add to the pleasure of the evening, guests will be able to again relish tasty edibles from Deli-sh, La Cabaña, Royal City Harvest Foods, Tacos made by the Hugo Ledezma family, fresh chocolates made by Karen Lasen, and pie samples from Ronna's Pies.

"Bill Krieger, from Cheese Louise in Richland, will return with a selection of wonderful cheeses and his knowledge of perfect cheese and wine pairings," Ricker said.

"Seed Cupboard Nursery will enhance our décor with several of Lisa's (Villegas) beautifully designed container arrangements," Murphy added.

In another new feature this year, those in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a number of interesting prizes. Watch for details in the coming weeks.

Sip of the Slope tickets are priced at $30 per person. The ticket entitles the holder to eight wine tastes, a souvenir wine glass, and an array of appetizers.

Tickets are available now at Royal City Harvest Foods. They will be available at the door.