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RARE WINE AUCTION AT DSU ANNUAL GALA

(Madison) Half a dozen bottles of a rare California wine with a Madison, South Dakota connection will be auctioned as part of the annual Dakota State University Foundation Gala on April 10^th at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse.

The wine, three reds and three whites, come from the Joseph Swan Vineyards of Sonoma California founded by Joseph Swan, one of the sons of Arthur and Ruth Swan of Madison. Arthur and Ruth passed away in 60s. Ruth Swan was well known as the long-time organist at Trinity Lutheran Church. Joseph worked as an artist for the WPA and later became a pilot during World War II. He made his first wine in the 1950s and gained fame as one of the pioneer wine makers in California’s Russian River Valley.

In 1995, Dan Berger, the famous New York Times wine reviewer wrote "In the past, wine columnist would taste a Swan wine, swoon, and then realize that to write about it would be an arrogant and unfair trick because of the lack of availability…. Swan wines remain a constant reminder of how great California wine can be…"

Joseph Swan died of cancer last summer. While the winery still operates, the bottles to be auctioned at the DSU Gala are some of those made by Joseph Swan himself. The wine was donated by Gordon Swan, a Dakota State graduate and Joseph’s brother.

The Dakota State Foundation Gala for 1999 is presenting a Roaring Twenties theme and featuring a "black tie optional" dress for the first time in several years. Period and modern music will be performed by John Michaels Productions. As always, proceeds from the Gala are directed to the support of the DSU scholarship fund. The event kicks off at 6:00 PM and reservations can be made by calling Renee Grayson at 256-5693.