When champagne was first invented 400 years ago, Dom Perignon said it was a way to taste the stars.

Building on that concept, Township 7 Winery is hosting Taste the Stars, a day centred on locally produced sparkling wine.

Technically, only sparkling wines from a certain region of France can be called "champagne."

Partial proceeds from the fifth annual Taste the Stars, on Saturday, Feb. 12, are being donated to the Starlight Children's Foundation to provide activities and outings for terminally or seriously ill children and their families.

"As the wine sparkles, so will the smiles and hearts of the Starlight children and families from across B.C. that will benefit from Township 7's support," said Heather Burnett, the foundation's B.C. regional coordinator.

Township 7 donates to various area charities through the year.

"We were astounded to discover that our Langley vineyards grow the ideal grapes for sparkling wine. Similar to the traditional process in Champagne, the Fraser Valley terroir produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes with low brix and high acidity," explained owner Mike Raffan.

Township 7 started making it in 2000, and makes 50-150 cases each year. Some from 2008's production has been reserved for this occasion.

For Taste the Stars, the winery is holding special seminars on méthode champenoise winemaking at 1 and 3 p.m. People can stop by, learn and support the cause at the same time.

Then in the evening, there will be a larger event with live music by We Play for Wine, and discussions on chocolate making, truffle rolling, and seafood/wine pairing. It runs 7-10 p.m. and tickets are $30.

Raffan said the demonstrations and seminars tie in with the growing desire for people to understand where their food comes from and how it's made.

The winery is at 21152 16th Ave. People can find out more by calling 604-532-1766 or checking out www.township7.com.