Arlington, Va. (Dec 3, 2008) – Vox|Optima, a woman- owned and service disabled veteran-owned small business, found success in its 4th anniversary year with its 3rd annual wine party held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott.

The party, which featured a tasting of some of New Mexico’s finest wines (while deftly avoiding those of questionable heritage), had more than 125 guests jam-packed into the Marriott’s Bin 1700 cocktail lounge.

“I’m truly gratified at the record turnout this year,” said Merritt Allen, Vox|Optima executive director and wine connoisseur. “It just shows you what four years of hard work, innovation, professionalism, free booze and tasty finger foods can accomplish.”

She went on to say, “We find the wine tasting really loosens up our guests so they can share with us their feelings … and say things we can hold against them later, as necessary.”

Rick Osial, longtime friend of Vox|Optima, said, “What makes Merritt's parties the social and professional event of the year is that everyone is able to see how some things never change --- Merritt is as beautiful and successful as ever, while continuing to surround herself with only the best people.”

Rick ill-advisedly went on, thus justifying Merritt’s use of wine as weapon of mass distraction. “Additionally, it was also exceedingly gratifying to see that (redacted) is still (redacted) than (redacted), that (redacted)'s (redacted) is holding up well, that (redacted) hasn't grown any more (redacted) and is still a (redacted), and that (redacted) continues to express herself as a successful graduate of 'The Rod Blagojevich' School of Social Graces.' What better holiday cheer?"

Other guests were also fond of the company Vox|Optima provided (no pun intended), but were more resistant to the deleterious effects of the New Mexican nectar.

“I was struck, while observing the fluid mingling of the Vox|Optima team among the company of people whose company they clearly enjoy, that they all looked so well turned out,” said Lyle Bunn, principal and strategy architect for BUNN Co. “Indeed, there was 'love' in the air … of professionals at the top of their game, busy in what they enjoy doing most, for clients whose projects were making them look great. There is no greater love that exists between a happy, busy government contractor and their very appreciative and succeeding clients.”

On top of all of the great company-client-partner-drinking buddy relationships formed, the wine was a smashing success. Vox|Optima office manager, company sommelier and D.C. squirrel attack survivor, Suzanne Powell, was the inspiration behind the wonderful wine selections from New Mexico wineries Gruet, Ponderosa Valley Winery and Chiripada Winery.

“Picking a good wine is all about taste testing,” explained Powell. “My husband and I went through many bottles before we found the right ones.” A trouper, this one.

The age-old debate, red versus white, inevitably came up at Bin 1700. "I love a good red wine, especially when its accompanied by red logos, red hair, red lipstick, red clothes and shoes ... yep, I like red," said Mark Borreson, retired Army National Guard colonel.

Vox Director Mark McDonald, owner of the largest personal wine collection in the company, was overheard discussing one of the New Mexico varietals with fellow Vox|Optimite Andrea Ross. “I’m impressed with the tannin,” he said. “Why thank you,” Ross replied. “It’s mostly from hanging out in the pits during NASCAR races, but I have to admit I stop by Hollywood Tans for a touch-up now and then.”

With wine and cheese in hand, many guests and Vox members enjoyed the party well past the early curfew of 8:30 p.m. As always, the Bin 1700 staff were very polite about showing us the door at closing time.

“As long as New Mexico’s making wine, we’ll be sure to keep sharing it with our friends,” said Allen. “Unless they don’t give us their contracts.”