Support / 12th Annual Art of Wine Festival
Thanks for making the 11th Annual Art of Wine a tremendous success. More than $100,000 was raised for Walton Arts Center's Arts Education and Outreach programs! Tickets are ON SALE NOW for the 12th Annual Art of Wine.
SAVE THE DATE: 2012 Art of Wine Festival – June 7-9, 2012
You don't need to book an expensive trip to Napa Valley; the premier wine tasting event of the season happens right here in Northwest Arkansas! 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 has quickly grown into one of the largest in the 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, an exclusive Winemaker's Dinner, the affordable and educational Wine Lover's Brunch, and two amazing wine tasting events, Uncorked and the Premier Tasting. This year we are excited to add two entry classes into the world of wine: Wine Tasting 101 and Sparkling Wine Extravaganza! Most festival events take place in June, with special featured events in the winter and spring.
"We have attended Art of Wine events for years and regard it as one of the premier events in Northwest Arkansas!", said Wayne and Diane Callahan, Walton Arts Center patrons and loyal Art of Wine supporters.
Proceeds from Art of Wine support Walton Arts Center's award-winning arts learning and education programs. These programs have been the cornerstone of the Art Center's programming since it opened in 1992. Each year more than 30,000 school children experience the arts through high quality live theater performances, worshops and in-school residency activities.
"Like" the Art of Wine Festival on Facebook HERE.
Art of Wine June Events
The Winemaker's Dinner features a superb five course dinner paired with an array of outstanding wines from one of EJ Gallo's wineries. Previous winemakers include Gina Gallo, Kate McMurray and Michael Martini. Ella's Restaurant's Executive Chef Bill Lyle works closely with the winemakers to pair his culinary skills with their vintages. The result is an evening not to be missed. Located on the beautifully appointed Baum Walker Hall stage, this very special evening includes a pre-dinner wine reception and a fabulous silent auction featuring wine, art and unique Walton Arts Center performance memorabilia.
New this year! Wine Tasting 101 is a fun and easy entry class into the world of wine. Join sommelier Aleks Berry of The Fayetteville Wine Cellar for an introduction on tasting techniques, pairing of wine with food, differences in varietals and what to look for when buying wine. Guests will also learn the professional process of evaluating wine objectively while discussing the philosophies of "good taste." This exclusive event will be held in Joy Pratt Markham Gallery for 40 guests.
Uncorked! is the party of the year! The evening features gourmet hors d'oeuvres from the most popular local eateries including Café Rue Orleans, Savor, Ella's, River Grille, Hog Haus Brewing Company and more. Each wine tasting event accomodates 600 guests and features over 400 wine selections from elite wineries across the globe. Guests receive a complimentary wine glass to keep and use as they stroll from table to table, sampling the aromatic and flavorful selections. Vintners are on hand to assist in the wine tasting experience, answer questions and offer suggestions.
New this year! The Sparkling Wine Extravaganza is one of our newest additions to the Art of Wine Festival. What better way to begin the premier tasting event of the year than with a bit o' bubbly? Come and sip on refreshing champagne and sparkling wine as sommelier Aleks Berry of The Fayetteville Wine Cellar explains how all that "life" got into the wine glass. Aleks will answer questions such as “who is responsible for the wines we know today as Methode Champenois?” as well as discuss the exciting directions the style is making in modern times. This exclusive event will be held in Joy Pratt Markham Gallery for 40 guests. Sante!
Saturday's Premier Tasting features an amazing selection of wines not seen anywhere outside of the Aspen Wine Festival. 2011's Premier Tasting night offered wines from Silver Oak, Rombauer, Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Rodney Strong, Grgich Hills, and a vertical tasting of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to the bountiful selection of wine and cuisine, patrons can bid on and win specialty format bottles of wine, vacation trips to Colorado, Napa Valley and other exciting destinations, original art and other unique items during the evening's silent auction.
Get tickets:
The Winemaker's Dinner, Thursday June 7 at 6:00pm on the Baum Walker Hall main stage
Wine Tasting 101, Friday, June 8 at 5:30pm in the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery (space is limited)
Uncorked - Friday Night Wine Tasting, June 8 at 7:00pm throughout Walton Arts Center
The Wine Lover's Brunch, Saturday, June 9 at 11:00am (location TBD)
Sparkling Wine Extravaganza, Saturday, June 9 at 4:30pm in Joy Pratt Markham Gallery (space is limited)
The Premier Tasting, Saturday June 9 at 6:00pm throughout Walton Arts Center
