Lovers of great wine and food are gearing up for a great local event designed to raise funds for the Warren JFK tennis teams. The "Taste for Tennis" wine dinner is this Friday from 7-9PM. Chef / Owner Vernon Cesta has created a five course dinner menu specially paired with each wine. Tickets are $70 for the event and can be purchased by calling Warren JFK High School at 330-369-1804. There will also be a raffle of some great wine-themed prizes and entry into the raffle is included with the ticket price.

Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase equipment for the new JFK Lower Campus Tennis Program. The equipment utilizes the United States Tennis Associaition's latest specifications for teaching tennis to kids as young as five years old. The tennis instruction will take place in the lower campus gymn classes and on the JFK courts in the summer. Some funds will also be used to update equipment used by the high school teams.

The wine lineup is an eclectic mix of old world and new world wines. Each wine was selected for its unique flavor profile and how it represents the area of the world from which it comes. The final wine is a California dessert wine paired with Dennis Huston's dark chocolates, which are specially made to be enjoyed with wine. Here's a look at the wine and food pairings:

2014 Giesen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Enticingly aromatic with green flowers, lime, pink grapefruit, and dried herbs. Vibrant citrus fruit flavors with a crisp and bright finish that tantalizes the palate.

Dinner Pairing: Grilled Calamari over Tuscan Beans

2013 Domaine Joseph Drouhin Vaudin Chablis

An elegant representation of classic Chablis. Brilliant in color with greenish hues. Aromas of green apple, citrus and salty sensations. The palate is vigorous and lively in a softer context. Well balanced with delightful finesse leading to a lovely finish.

Dinner Pairing: Arugula with Grilled Shrimp and Italian Olive Oil

2013 Ponzi Family Vineyards “Tavola” Pinot Noir

Elegant and graceful with aromas of dried violets, strawberry and forest floor.  Flavors reminiscent of baked red cherry and strawberry with hints of barrel toast and coffee. Refreshing acidity on the finish balances the fruit and provides length.

Dinner Pairing: Charred Pork Medallions with Braised Brussell Sprouts

2011 Damilano “Le Cinque Vigne” Barolo

Intense bouquet of roses, leather tobacco and subtle hints of dark fruits. Flavors of black cherry, cassis, fresh gorund pepper, anise and subtle green herbs. Great depth of flavors and fruit purity with firm velvety tannins.

Dinner Pairing: Roasted Angus Reserve Tenderloin with Roasted Potatoes

2012 Terra D’Oro Zinfandel Port

Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, sugared dates, coffee, caramel and orange peel. Rich and lush on the palate with flavors of raisin, cocoa and toffee. A wonderful pairing for chocolate, sharp cheeses and a good cigar.

Dinner Pairing: Dark Chocolate Desserts with Dennis Huston’s Wine Chocolate