Lundeen’s Discount Liquors, 1030 Arcadia Ave., and 1760 DeKalb Ave. in Sycamore , held its annual spring wine tasting on Saturday.

The liquor merchant has been hosting wine tastings in the spring and fall for the past five years.

The gathering brought about 240 people into Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St. in Sycamore. Twenty-one vendors paired wines with appetizers from local restaurants like Tom & Jerry’s, 215 W. Lincoln Highway, and Tapa La Luna, 226 E. Lincoln Highway.

Chad Warborg, Tapa La Luna chef, said the restaurant had prepared 550 pieces of sushi, but by the end of the afternoon participants had gone through all of it.

Guests had a chance to win wine-related door prizes like wine buckets, glasses or bottles of wine.

Matthew Lundeen, general manager of the Sycamore Lundeen’s, said it was helpful having experts on hand to explain the wines to people.

“They have a lot of questions I can’t answer,” Lundeen said, “So they talk to all the wine reps themselves.”

Jayne Holley, patient-care coordinator at West Physical Therapy and St. Charles resident, said she enjoyed trying things she wouldn’t be able to otherwise.

“It’s nice to try some of the more expensive wines,” Holley said.