By Lora Oehlberg

Town Crier Editorial Intern

Scientists say that drinking a small amount of wine can help lower the incidence of heart disease. However, the admission fee to the 20th annual MacArthur Park Wine Festival will support Palo Alto Chapter Red Cross CPR programs to save your life, just in case prevention with the wine does not work.

The public is invited to enjoy fine wines and help the Red Cross at the Wine Festival, scheduled 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 18. The event will include tasting from more than 70 wineries, complemented by grilled meats, fresh fruit, and cheese from MacArthur Park restaurant.

“This event will showcase some of the best wineries in California,” said Gail Hallenbeck, associate director of development at the Palo Alto Chapter of the American Red Cross. The chapter, with active local volunteers, also serves the communities of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.

Among the visiting wineries are: Chalone Wine Group, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards, Grgich Hills Cellars, Beaulieu Vineyards, Chateau Potelle, Ridge, Silver Oak, and Thomas Fogarty Winery.

The Wine Festival will also be hosting a private vertical wine tasting, featuring Cabernet Sauvignons from Beringer Winery.

Tickets for the private vertical tasting are $120, which also includes admission to the event. However, the vertical wine tasting is limited to 100 individuals.

The event will also feature live music by Tee Fee Boogie Swamp Band and a silent auction presented by the Red Cross.

Proceeds from the event will benefit local programs and services at the Palo Alto Area Red Cross, including disaster preparedness and relief, CPR and first aid training, crisis counseling and rental assistance, emergency communication for military families and Safe Ride for teens.

Admission to the MacArthur Park Wine Festival is $50 in advance or $60 at the door, and includes complimentary wine and food throughout the day. Admission is restricted to 21 years and older. To order tickets, call 688-0438 or visit www.parc.org.