CCA to present first Perfectly Paired event of season
The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) is set to host its first event in a popular seasonal series.
The Perfectly Paired Wine Tasting Series will return on Jan. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. with “Perfectly Paired New Classics” at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. Three more events are planned for the season.
“It’s a tradition at the CCA to offer these wine tastings for our community,” Director Lauren McCraney said. “It’s an opportunity to have a cultured evening of fine wine and great company with delectable bites.”
Each event will focus on a different theme.
“‘New Classics’ will celebrate the evolution of timeless wines, but with a fresh perspective,” she said. “It’s a twist on traditional wines, incorporating new concepts.”
A Bit of Bailey’s and The Island Store wine steward Calli Johnson duPont will serve as host.
“They are hand-selected and curated by her,” McCraney said of the selection of wines that will be highlighted. “There will be something for everyone’s tastes, both reds and whites.”
In addition, culinary pairings will be prepared by Chef Karl Hamme.
“They are specially paired to complement each other,” she said of the food and wines.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to order the featured bottles.
“They’ll be able to purchase that night to pick up at another date from The Island Store or A Bit of Bailey’s,” McCraney said.
Tickets are $60 for members and $70 for non-members.
The remaining series events will include:
– Feb. 16: Perfectly Paired Natural Expressions
– March 23: Perfectly Paired Green Wines
– April 6: Perfectly Paired Tete De Cuvee
Karen Bell and the Bell Team, with Michael Saunders and Company, is the CCA’s 2025-26 season sponsor.
“It’s a honor that Karen Bell has continued to support the CCA,” she said.
Florida Trust Wealth Management is the sponsor for the 2025-26 Perfectly Paired series.
“We’re very grateful to Florida Trust for sponsoring the series this year,” McCraney said.
The community is invited to secure a ticket.
“It’s not just a curated experience,” she said. “It’s a fun educational experience taking an opportunity to learn about the wines and the regions that they come from.”
For tickets or more information, visit https://ccacaptiva.org/.
ART EXHIBITION
The CCA recently unveiled the second exhibit in its 2025-26 Art Series with an opening reception.
“It’s not only to support local artists and showcase their talents, but to be able to bring the community together for nights of celebration and joy,” McCraney said of four total exhibitions scheduled.
Opened on Jan. 8, “Language of Angels: Daughters of the Sea and Sky” will be on display from now through Jan. 30 at the Captiva Civic Center. It features a number of pieces by local artist Ilie Ruby.
“She is a Captiva resident, as well as a high skilled and talented artist in many mediums — and a longtime CCA member,” she said.
Owner of the Odessa Art Gallery on Sanibel, Ruby’s style is contemporary figurative realism infused with painterly sensitivity, effusive light and an unmistakable sense of feminine strength. Deeply engaged with island history, she also creates mixed-media pieces featuring metal leaf and historical island imagery that bridge past and present in a modern way. Also a teacher and novelist, Ruby’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, CNN and other national publications.
“Language of Angels: Daughters of the Sea and Sky” features about 50 pieces.
“Ilie’s angels and mermaids transform and rise onto canvas from both her inner knowing and from the faces of those who came before. They belong to the island’s long-watch guardians,” McCraney said. “Formed by storm and return, erosion and renewal. Standing within its rhythms, they bear witness to what endures. They illuminate abundance with sunrise and moonrise, and settle the calm of knowing with the sunsets and constellations.”
All the artwork is available for purchase, with a percentage to benefit the CCA.
Bank of the Islands is the sponsor for this year’s Art Series.
“We express our gratitude to Bank of the Islands for always been so gracious with their support,” she said.
Free to the public, the CCA gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The community is encouraged to stop by.
“It’s stunning and beautiful, and you have the opportunity to take home a piece of history,” McCraney said. “And with every purchase, you’re supporting the continuance of the CCA being able to offer events like this for our community.”
For more information, visit online or contact 239-472-2111.
The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
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IF YOU GO
What
Perfectly Paired New Classics
When
Jan. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Where
Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva
Details
Tickets are $60 members and $70 for non-members