Walton Arts Center 12th Annual Art of Wine Festival
June 7, 2012 (Thu) - June 9, 2012 (Sat)
from 6:00 PM - 11:45 PM
Fayetteville, AR
Event Details
Wine OR Wine & Food
Entertainment
Tags:
Wine
Walk Around Tasting
Auction
Charity Fundraiser
Since 2000, Walton Arts Center's Art of Wine Festival has been enjoyed by Arkansans and visitors from across the country. This annual, multi-day wine and food festival is one of the largest in the Mid-South region, featuring hundreds of wines, food from dozens of local restaurants and live entertainment. Art of Wine events include progressive dinners, whiskey and other spirits tastings, educational offerings, an exclusive Winemaker's Dinner, the affordable and educational Wine Lover's Brunch and two extensive wine tasting events, Uncorked! and The Premier Tasting. Most festival events take place in June, with special featured events in the winter and spring. In 2011, celebrity chef Guy Fieri added a delicious, new element to the Festival. Plans are underway to bring another top chef to Art of Wine 2012.
Festival Highlights:
Winemaker’s Dinner, Thursday, June 7, at 6 pm, $225
The evening is hosted by a select winemaker from E&J Gallo Winery’s extensive portfolio. Past Art of Wine host winemakers include Kate McMurray, Gina Gallo and Scott McWilliam. The five-course meal, created by Ella’s Restaurant executive chef Bill Lyle is expertly paired with the winemaker’s featured wines. An elite Silent Auction features art, wine and one-of-a-kind artist and performance memorabilia from Walton Arts Center season performances. The Winemaker’s Dinner sells out every year and is the premier event of the Art of Wine Festival.
Wine 101, Friday, June 8, at 5:30 pm
This educational event, led by Aleks Berry, the youngest sommelier currently working in the state of Arkansas, offers a fun and easy entry into the world of wine. The class features information on wine tasting, pairing of wine with food, differences in varietals and what to look for when buying wine.
Sparkling Wine Extravaganza, Saturday, June 9, at 4:30 pm, $30
What better way to begin the wine event of the year than with a bit o' bubbly? Come taste some refreshing Champagne and sparkling wine and learn just how all that "life" got in there, and who is responsible for the wines we know today as Methode Champenois? Plus we will be discussing the exciting directions the style is making in modern times. Sante!
Uncorked!, Friday, June 8, at 7 pm, $75
Uncorked! features more than 400 wines from around the world and delectable hors d’oeuvres prepared by chefs from more than a dozen local restaurants. Patrons take their glass and plate and roam the Walton Arts Center spaces sampling fantastic wine and delicious food. Highlights include direct interaction with the vintners, an art and wine Silent Auction and the opportunity to sample an impressive variety of wines from around the globe.
Wine Lover’s Brunch, Saturday, June 9, at 11 am, $65
The Wine Lover’s Brunch, a favorite among long-time Art of Wine patrons, features a sophisticated look into wine and food topics. Guest wine experts guide patrons through food pairings, varietal differences, tasting tips and other wine information topics. Brunch is provided by executive chef Bill Lyle of Ella’s Restaurant.
Premier Tasting, Saturday, June 9, at 6 pm, $150
The exclusive Premier Tasting features 150 reserve quality wines and outstanding cuisine prepared by top chefs from the Northwest Arkansas region. Available wines include Opus One, Dom Perignon, Honig, Mondavi, Rombauer, Kistler, Ferrari Carano and Peju. Patrons are invited onto the Baum Walker Hall Stage to sample wine and food, visit with vintners and bid on unique Silent Auction items.
Additional Details:
Tickets:
Individual tickets available for all events and are on sale now.
Gold package: includes ticket to The Winemaker’s Dinner, Wine 101 and Premier Tasting, discounted hotel rates, and optional drop-in tour at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. $500 per guest.
Silver package: includes ticket to Wine 101, Uncorked! and Wine Lover’s Brunch, discounted hotel rates and optional drop-in tour at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. $185 per guest.
Custom packages are also available upon request.
Wine 101 tickets may be purchased for $25 with the purchase of tickets to Uncorked! or the Premier Tasting.
Fundraising for Arts Education: In its 12 years, the Art of Wine Festival has raised nearly $1 million in support of Walton Arts Center’s arts education programs. A non-profit organization, Walton Arts Center seeks to engage every school-age student in Arkansas in the arts. Programs are provided at little to no cost and often are the only opportunity a student has to experience the arts. Arts Education at Walton Arts Center includes discounted matinee performances, in-school residencies and workshops, touring productions and professional development for teachers. Since its first season in 1992, Walton Arts Center has served more than 500,000 students and teachers.
Visit Website: Art of Wine Website
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