CAPE GEORGE – If you’ve ever wondered which wine goes best with what food, Bob Bentley has the answer.

The wine educator and steward, or “sommelier,” founded the Olympic Peninsula Enological Society five years ago on St. Patrick’s Day with his wife, Dianne.

The society soon gathered with about 30 original members, and has grown to about 200, reflecting the growing popularity of fine wines.

Some Olympic wine society members come from as far away as Port Orchard and Sekiu to join the nonprofit organization’s monthly dinners and events, says Bentley, who has taught a course on fine wines at Peninsula College and writes a wine column for the magazine, Peninsula Life.

“I never present a wine that I wouldn’t buy myself,” says the 68-year-old Cape George resident for six years, while sipping Mencia from Dominio de Tares, Spain.

It is one of the Spanish wines he will present at the society’s 48th wine dinner gathering at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Fort Worden State Park Commons in Port Townsend.

Because most of the members are from the Port Angeles-Sequim area, Port Townsend and Jefferson County residents are encouraged to attended the society’s wine dinner program and join the organization.

Cost is $45 per member and $50 per guest.