The American Heart Association's 2014 Central Arkansas Festival of Wines is the state's largest wine tasting, providing festivalgoers the opportunity to explore hundreds of wines from every corner of the wine world in one venue. This year's event is Oct. 2.
One of my favorite touches of the event is the unique location of the "patio party" -- the length of the Dickey-Stephens Park concourse, with the excitement of music surrounding the stadium.
Not only is the festival a wine tasting mecca but it also features exceptional cuisine from several of the best restaurants in central Arkansas. There are also silent and premier auctions and live painting by local artists.
My advice is the same as with all large tasting events: Spit and spit often and become very acquainted with the spittoon. Spitting is part of the tasting process and not a social faux pas.
Be sure to take notes -- a circle, check or smiley face to mark favorites in the program. Another easy way of keeping up with those at the top of your tasting list is a quick photo of the label with a smartphone.
Tickets are $60 -- relatively inexpensive if you consider the hundreds or even thousands of dollars it would cost to buy and taste the same wines on your own. But most importantly, the money goes to a great cause, the American Heart Association.
For more information about the event, visit festivalofwines.ahaevents.org.
These are a few of my favorites to look for at the event.
THE VALUES
2013 Force of Nature Red Wine, California (about $13 retail)
2013 Bell Big Guy Red, California (about $13 retail)
THE SPLURGES
2012 Tooth and Nail "The Stand," California (about $29 retail)
2012 Stepping Stone Cabernet Sauvignon by Cornerstone, California (about $45 retail)
Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email:
uncorked@thewinectr.com
Food on 09/17/2014