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Winemakers and chateau owners setting up their wines for the tasting.

On January 23rd, more than 560 people braved a cold night for the ultimate reward: tasting over 40 Bordeaux wines poured by the winemakers themselves, all for a good cause: benefitting the Denver Public Schools Foundation. The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux wine tasting stopped in Denver for the very first time in its history, and generated more than $75,000 with proceeds benefitting the Denver Public Schools Foundation.

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Jim & Debbie Shpall, owners of Applejack Wine & Spirits and hosts of the event.

Attendees entered the beautiful McNichols Civic Center Building, and were greeted by the sounds of an incredibly talented jazz band comprised of DPS students from the Denver School of the Arts. Once attendees arrived on the main tasting floor, they mingled with wine makers and chateau owners, learning about the unique Bordeaux wines and what makes each one special. Attendees had the opportunity to admire the unique artwork on display in the McNichols Building, while pairing the wine with special imported European cheese to provide the best tasting experience. For many wine lovers, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This special event was made possible thanks to the hard work and generosity of hosts Debbie and Jim Shpall, owners of Applejacks Wine & Spirits. This premiere tour of Bordeaux winemakers usually makes only a handful of stops in cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Working closely with the Union des Grands Crus, the Shpalls convinced the winemakers to include Denver on their whirlwind US tour. To top it off, the Shpalls made the ultimate generous gesture: choosing the Denver Public Schools Foundation as the beneficiary of the event. Both Debbie and Jim are alumni of Denver Public Schools, and said that the decision to support education with this event was an easy one to make.

Kristin Colon, President of the DPS Foundation; Christine DeRose of RBC Wealth Management and Capital Markets, the evening’s presenting sponsor; Margot Pinto, event sponsor; and Kristin Richardson, event sponsor.

Kristin Colon, President of the DPS Foundation; Christine DeRose of RBC Wealth Management and Capital Markets, the evening’s presenting sponsor; Margot Pinto, event sponsor; and Kristin Richardson, event sponsor.

“Nothing matters more than helping children succeed,” says Jim. “We want to do everything we can to help create an environment that will allow every student to flourish.”

Support for the evening was also provided by presenting sponsor RBC Wealth Management and Capital Markets; as well as sponsors Margot & Marc Pinto and Kristin & Blair Richardson; and generous support from 9News and 5280 Home Magazine.

Kristin Richardson, sponsor of the event, with Mary McGee, Vice President of Development for the DPS Foundation

Kristin Richardson, sponsor of the event, with Mary McGee, Vice President of Development for the DPS Foundation