FRENCH OR CALIFORNIAN? YOU DECIDE.
ART OF WINE PRESENTS “JUDGMENT OF WHEELING”

WHEELING, W.Va. (March 31, 2009) - -Great wine and great art come together at 6:30 p.m April 24 at the Stifel Fine Art Center as Oglebay Institute continues its “Art of Wine” series.

Wine aficionado Walt Smith is the guest presenter at “The Judgment of Wheeling,” a blind tasting of French and California wines.

“The idea for this tasting rises out of what has been called the seminal moment in the history of American wine,” Smith said. “In 1976 British wine merchant Steven Spurrier fell upon an idea to increase the sales in his Paris-based wine shop by organizing a tasting of top California wine to be tasted blind against the top Chateau of France. Both Mr. Spurrier and the French judging panel were shocked at the results.  I can’t wait to share this story and these wines with those in attendance.”  

The featured wines for the tasting are supplied by wine tasting host Kathy Figaretti from the portfolio of North Central Distributors, and Smith has sampled a variety of French and California wines in preparation for the event.

“We will taste white against white and red against red, and we have worked hard to have something for everyone,” he said.

Smith said the format of the April 24 event is much different than a typical tasting. “I would liken it more to an exploration of palate. It is a very different experience when you don’t know where the vintage is from.”

He added that this format also allows more interaction among the guests.

“Those in attendance will taste the wines side by side and then talk among themselves to decide which wines they feel are more worthy.  After each varietal we will vote to see what wines come out on top.”

In addition to the wine selections, guests will enjoy a five course dinner prepared by Dino Figaretti of Figaretti’s and Enzio’s Restaurants and will have an opportunity to browse “Heroes and Villains: Comics as Art,” the current art exhibit on display in the Hart Galleries of the Stifel Center.

“I would encourage anyone who has not attended one of these events to join us on April 24,” Smith said. “This is the fourth time I’ve presented at the Stifel, and it’s always a fun evening with a really great crowd. I’m super excited about presenting these wines in a blind tasting format, and I hope everyone will come, try some new wines and check out the fantastic artwork in the gallery.” 

Sponsored by H.E. Neumann Co., the Oglebay Institute wine tasting season continues each month through June. Each program has a different theme and includes at least five wine selections, complementary foods prepared by Figaretti’s and a wine expert, who shares tips and information on selecting and serving wines. Guests always have an opportunity to purchase their favorite vintages.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Stifel Center at 304.242.7700. Payment is required at time of reservation. Admission to the April 24 tasting is $55/$50 for Oglebay Institute members and includes all wine selections and a five course dinner.

The Stifel Center is located at 1330 National Road, Wheeling and welcomes the public daily to art, dance and fitness classes, live musical performances and ongoing art exhibitions.

These programs are presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.