The tranquil beauty of Indian Lake and the tastes of some of southwest Michigan’s most prolific wineries and breweries make a great pairing.

Throwing in a dash of charity just makes it that much sweeter.

The Lee Memorial Foundation hosts its fourth annual Beer and Wine Tasting event from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, held once again at Don and Vicary Blackmond’s Sesquicentennial Farm on Indian Lake.

A dozen wineries and breweries will be offering tastings of their selection of beverages to visitors, with organizers also offering hors d’oeuvres, auctions and live entertainment provided by Ronn Barany.

This year’s event is shaping up to be the largest in the event’s short history. Besides the addition of two new vendors, sales have already eclipsed those of last year’s event, with only around 20 of the 350 tickets still available, said foundation Development Coordinator Beth Cripe.

“They’ve basically sold themselves this year,” Cripe said. “The reputation has gotten out there. People get excited about it every year.”

Tickets to the event cost $50, and include a souvenir wine glass and unlimited tastings from any of the 12 vendors present Saturday, Cripe said.

New to this year’s tasting are Crane’s Winery and Rochester Mills Beer Co. Returning are Round Barn, Tabor Hill, Cody Kresta, 12 Corners and Contessa wineries along with Lehman’s Orchards, New Holland Brewing Company, Round Barn Brewery, Saugatuck Brewing Company and Tapistry Brewery.

A number of items will also be up for auction on Saturday, which include tickets to upcoming Chicago Blackhawks, Cubs and Bears games, as well as gift certificates and other items donated by local businesses, Cripe said. A number of gift baskets will be on sale as well, including a basket of premium Wisconsin-made cheese.

“A lot of people who live around the lake provided us with these baskets because they enjoy the event so much,” Cripe said.

The fundraiser is one of two major events the Lee Memorial Foundation hosts every year to raise money for Dowagiac’s Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. The organization is currently in the midst of a campaign to raise $1 million worth of renovations and new surgical equipment and beds for the local healthcare provider.

Earlier this month, the foundation held its annual golf outing at Spruce Ridge Golf Course, generating around $14,000 worth of proceeds for the campaign, Cripe said.

“Chances are we will match or surpass that amount with this year’s beer and wine tasting,” she said.

People interested in purchasing tickets for Saturday event can do so by contacting Cripe at (269) 783-3026 or at bethcripe@borgess.com.

“I would encourage people to come support our local hospital, and at the same have a good time at a beautiful event,” Cripe said.