Annual Wine Tasting an extravaganza for the senses
By Erin Perkins
The Grand Forks Art Gallery Society sure knows how to put on an event.
After 21 years, the much anticipated annual Wine Tasting has been aged to perfection. Every part of the evening was well-presented and well-orchestrated for the most optimum art, food and wine experience.
The much-loved event was understandably sold out, the food, by Court Jesters Catering, was a tasty, collection of culinary treats presented in the most whimsical and imaginative way. The dessert table was a pink fantasy of light orange meringues, decadent truffles and pastel coloured macaroons presented on a table accented by glass bowls filled with live fish.
The wine tasting portion of the evening featured nine wineries, two breweries and two distilleries who served alongside Kocomos – Hardy Mountain Coffee Roasters, Doodlebug Chocolates, Jerseyland Organics and From the Hearth Bakery.
The nine wineries were wonderfully local – local being the BC southern interior – and showcased a wide selection of very fruity and sophisticated wines including an organic red cherry port called Cerise D’Eve from Forbidden Fruit Winery in Cawston, BC and an Icewine called Tempranillo from D’Angelo Estate Winery of Penticton, BC.
But don’t just stop at the wine, because this Wine Tasting event offers so much more.
Among the new and notable presentations was Agave Idiots Tequila Club hosted by Clint Bell. Bell, a Grand Forks resident and tequila lover, will be importing the high-quality Crotalo Tequila and was well-received by the wine-tasting crowd.
Also an interesting contrast to the wine was delicious and fruity collection of ales and porter from Cannery Brewing of Penticton, BC.
Okanagan Spirits of Vernon, BC, presented their newest Essential Collection which included an unusual group of fruit based liquors including a very fruity pear brandy and a raspberry liqueur that can only be described as nectar from heaven.
All this was set in the most beautiful and historical backdrop imaginable – the converted court house. The art was carefully and attractively paired to accent the theme in each room. The whimsical Christmas trees, many of which have been donated to the Art Gallery, are part of a Conceptual Christmas Tree silent auction, which ends December 15.
