Desserts, wine, books, music, art & a crowd

All in a classic NORMAN ROCKWELL setting.

~ By Stanley Blackmur, Photography by Mindi Sokoloski

The Blizzard of 2013 wreaked havoc here to many on the South Shore and caused many delays to events scheduled for that weekend. The Valentine’s Dessert and wine tasting at The James Library and Center for the Arts was certainly no exception.

The James Library and Center For The Arts is one of few independent libraries here on the South Shore with “21st century books in a 19th century atmosphere,” art galleries and music lessons and concerts are also large components of the make up of what is The James Library.

This quintessential New England 1800’s building is set just off the common in Norwell Center. The library was a buzz of activity for the Desserts and Wines at the James. This evening’s event was one of the larger fundraisers for the year. The wines were provided by Marsh’s Wine and Spirits and MS Walker Fine Wine & Spirits, and represented by Pamela Crowley of Mionetto Wines.

The wines presented for tasting and available for purchase this evening were MIONETTO BRUT PROSCCO, MIONETTO CUVEE ROSE`, MIONETTO IL LAMBRUSCO, VOLERE PINOT GRIGIO AND VOLERE MERLOT/PINOT NOIR.

These wines were all priced at a very affordable price point range from $9.99 to $15.99. The wines were also perfectly paired with the confectionary delights and chocolates that were being served at tables on all three floors of the library, giving me the opportunity to take in all this gem of a building had to offer. The vibe of people drinking wine, tasting deserts and listening to a terrific piano and bass duet was awesome and the flickering lights of an overdrawn electrical system added a bit of charm to this fun evening.

On the food side of the event, we were able to sample delectable treats from South Shore companies: BAKED, GINGER BETTY, FRONT STREET GOURMET, KATE’S TABLE, TAZA CHOCOLATE, DOOR KNOCK DINNERS AND WHOLE FOODS.

In closing if you have not ever been to THE JAMES LIBRARY and CENTER FOR THE ARTS, this is must for your list of South Shore treasures to check out.

For more information contact Caroline Chapin, Director, at 781.659.7100 or visit www.jameslibrary.org. The library is located at 24 West Street in Norwell Center.