The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the return of one of the premier events in Columbus, the Synovus Toast of the Town. The Sixth Annual Synovus Toast of the Town is scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2015 at the RiverMill Event Centre.  Savor world-class wines, handcrafted beers, and delicious Southern spirits while dining on food prepared by some of the region’s most celebrated chefs.  In addition to sampling their wares, guests will meet and mingle with the contributing brew-masters, vintners, and culinary luminaries, all of whom will be on hand to share their unique tastes and toasts.

“The Synovus Toast of the Town is the signature fundraising event for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, but because it has grown into a regionally acclaimed food, wine, and spirits festival, the community has become just as much a beneficiary,” said Cameron Bean, Executive Director of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

The main event of the Synovus Toast of the Town is the Grand Tasting.  In addition to the Grand Tasting, the CSO is excited to confirm the return of the Garden & Gun Tent, presented by Garden & Gun Magazine.  For the past two years, the Garden & Gun Tent has featured celebrity Southern chefs. This year, the focus is on Mixology.  Three noted Mixologists will shake, stir, and render cocktails for guests while enjoying live music and gourmet hors d’oeuvres in the garden of the RiverMill Event Centre.  Enjoy specialty-crafted cocktails by Paul Calvert of Decatur’s Paper Plane restaurant, Nate Shuman of Atlanta’s Proof & Provision, and Greg Best former co-owner of Atlanta’s Holeman & Finch. A limited number of tickets are available for this pre-Grand Tasting event. The Garden & Gun Cocktail Tent is from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and the Grand Tasting is from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm inside RiverMill Event Centre. 

“Last year, over 1,000 guests attended and 60 vendors supported the event. This year will be even bigger. I’m impressed with the talented personalities we have been able to attract to the event, and our guests will enjoy 'mixing it up' with our Mixologists in the Garden & Gun Cocktail Tent,” said Bean. “This is the first year that Synovus has partnered with the CSO as the event’s Title Sponsor and, when you consider it, it’s a natural fit. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Synovus are both pillars of Columbus. Both were formed in the 19th century and still maintain a deep commitment to the advancement of Columbus and the surrounding region." 

The Synovus Toast of the Town will feature vintners from around the world as well as regional chefs, restaurants and suppliers.  Guest will taste samplings from Columbus restaurants: 11^th and Bay, EPIC, Bitter Brick, The Social, Henry’s A Taste of Louisiana, Fountain City Coffee, It’s Your Day Catering, Midtown Cakes, Southern Straws, Midtown Coffee House, Trevioli Artisan Pasta Company and more; in addition local clubs: The Chattahoochee River Club, Country Club of Columbus and Green Island Country Club. Regional restaurants participating this year are: Acre (Auburn), Kowaliga Restaurant (Alexander City), Tullah White Cuisine (LaGrange), and The Gardens Restaurant at Callaway Gardens.

Regional wine makers Warm Springs Vineyard & Winery, River’s Bend Winery and Still Pond Winery, as well as wines distributed by Georgia Crown, National Distributing Company, B&B Beverage Company, and Empire Distributors, will be featured at the event.  The Synovus Toast of the Town will also highlight the spirits of Karin and Erik Vonk with Richland Rum Distillery, Fruitland Augusta, and Cathead Vodka.  Additionally, guests will be offered tastings from craft breweries from Triangle Wholesalers such as Terrapin and Red Brick Ale.  Othe­r regional craft brewers will be sampling their brews as well.