The Province Wine and Province Authors and Writer’s groups last month found the perfect pairing.  

Hosted by Brian Agner’s Province Wine Group and emceed by Province Writer’s Group facilitator Susan Ratliff, the Merlot and Manuscripts event Sept. 25 showcased six local authors, pairing writing excerpts with a wine varietal. 

“Just as a fine wine reveals its character sip by sip, a good book reveals mystery, comedy, struggle, romance, or tragedy page by page,” Ratliff said. “Tonight, as you taste finely crafted wines, a select group of our authors will give you a taste of the tales they have crafted.” 

The literary tasting highlighted local Province authors Yvonne Rose, Joe Vass under pseudonym Max Cossack, Tom Schuman, Pete A. Rathfelter, Roger Evans and Kay Fisher. Each took the stage to read an excerpt of their work to an expectant crowd milling around bottles of wine and accompanying crudité. 

Much like the wines offered, the book genres varied, covering everything from nonfiction sports to memoir to fiction.  

Rose opened the event with an excerpt from her book “The Messman,” chronicling a story of segregation on Battleship USS North Carolina during World War II. 

In the middle of the author lineup, Schuman prefaced his reading with the disclaimer that he “uses sports to tell people stories.” His book “Why Not Us?” is a story about a shared dream that brings a university together.   

Fisher closed out the readings with “Water Data Two: Toxic Bubbles,” an environmental mystery led by the president of a large data–mining company. Much like the effervescence of a sparkling wine, Fisher’s excerpt had unexpected twists and turns. 

After the authors shared their works, they chatted with the literature-loving crowd over memorabilia and merchandise for purchase.  

And for those who may have missed the event, Ratliff said there may be more opportunities in the future.  

“You know, we have many more writers than just those featured tonight. It looks like we’ll have to do another night,” she said. 

Someone pours wine at the "Merlot and Manuscript" event in Province on Sept. 25, 2026. [Karen Bartunek]

The audience at "Merlot and Manuscripts" event on Sept. 25, 2026. [Karen Bartunek]

Susan Ratliff's "Merlot and Manuscript" event notes on Sept. 25, 2026. [Karen Bartunek]

Wine and literature were abundant at the "Merlot and Manuscripts" event on Sept. 25, 2026. [Karen Bartunek]

Authors and attendees deep in conversation at the "Merlot and Manuscripts" event on Sept. 25, 2026. [Karen Bartunek]

Susan Ratliff's booth at the "Merlot and Manuscripts event on Sept. 25, 2026. [Karen Bartunek]