Wine fans have something to look forward to. The Shepherdstown Daycare Center will soon be holding its 8th annual wine auction benefit. On May 2 at 6 p.m. the daycare center staff and its board and volunteers will host an evening full of tastings, music and food at local establishment, the Bavarian Inn.

The official auction for wine packages with start a 7 p.m. and feature a what organizers described as a broad election or regional picks as well as tastes from around the world.

Nancy Strine, a volunteer, explained that this years event features auction items that take full advantage of the region’s rich wine culture.

Strine traveled throughout Maryland and Virginia to find unique events, wines and beer.

“We’re trying to make it so that its appealing to broader base,” she said.

Strine said the auction is a good opportunity for those interested in wine, but new to tastings.

“If you ever wanted to learn something about wine, this would be a great event to come to,” she said.

Salle Mickey, board member for the daycare center, said the event is one of the center’s biggest fundraisers each year.

“We do our annual Wine Auction because its always been a very successful fundraiser, typically raising around $25,000,” she said.

The event’s proceeds will benefit the Shepherdstown Day Care, one of a handful of non-profit day cares serving the families of Jefferson and Berkeley counties.

The Shepherdstown Daycare Center holds the auction each year to help maintain its income-based sliding scale for tuition, which benefits various local families. The center also plans to use funds to enhance educational programs for children.

“I think the event is especially unique because people of all ages like wine, and we offer reasonably priced wine lots, as well as some unique wines that aren’t easy to find,” Mickey said.

Strine said this year’s selection of lots include more remarkable experiences for bidders than ever before. In addition to the various wines, books such as “The Sipping Point: a Crash Course in Wine,” by author and wine coach Lori Foster, will included in the auction. Getaway packages will be auctioned off as well as special events and tours hosted by local wineries.

Doukenie Winery in Virginia is giving away tickets to a music concert for example.

According to the auction press release, guests can bid on a week long stay at a North Carolina beachside villa, among other excursions.

This year the SDC hopes to raise the stakes on funds earned.

“We really hope we’ll reach our goal of $35,000,” Mickey said.

Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling 304-876-2551 and at the door day of. Tickets are $40 person if purchased ahead of time and $50 at the door. Find more info at sdcwineauction.org