OGLEBAY INSTITUTE OFFERS UNIQUE WAYS TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY

WHEELING, W.Va. (January 25, 2012)- Oglebay Institute’s Stifle Fine Arts Center on National Road and the Mansion and Glass Museums in Oglebay Resort are offering unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with several romantic events planned for February 10, 11, 12 and 14.

The Art of Wine takes place at 6:30 p.m. February 10 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center and includes a buffet dinner prepared by Ye Old Alpha paired with five delicious wines and live music.

Featured wines are from Miramonte Winery, one of Southern California’s premier artisan wineries, specializing in adventurous, succulent Rhone-based varietal wines.

Selections for the evening include, 2009 Pinot Gris, a crisp, medium-bodied wine bursting with citrus and lemongrass aromas and flavors, with a light thread of nectarine and peach; 2007 Chardonnay, a wine featuring flavors and aromas of spiced pineapple, meyer lemon and green apple accented with the gentle influence of toasty French oak; 2010 Grenache Rose, which shows plentiful raspberry, strawberry and tropical fruit notes, and also tastes a little like zesty watermelon candy; 2005 Estate Syrah, which displays classic Rhone characteristics packaged in a refined frame — integrated flavors of wild raspberry and cherry with hints of sweet and toasted spice; and 2007 Bin #33410, with classic dusty, brambly dark berry and spiced cherry flavors and aromas interwoven with complimentary toasty oak and mocha notes.

With stained glass windows, grand central staircase, marble floors and majestic fireplace in the 1,000 square foot formal living room, the historic Stifel Mansion is the perfect atmosphere for a romantic evening. Cost is $38 per person. Members of Oglebay Institute receive a discount. Call 304.242.7700 for reservations.

Valentine’s Champagne Tour of the Mansion Museum takes place at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, February 10 and 11 and Tuesday, February 14.

Learn about the lives and loves of three generations of the Oglebay Family- secret engagements, tragedy, young love, second chances and more. The hour and a half program is presented by Holly McCluskey and includes the rare opportunity to go inside the Mansion’s period rooms. The evening is limited to six couples who each receive champagne, chocolates, a single rose and a glass “kiss” made in the Glass Museum studio.

The cost is $60 per couple. Members of Oglebay Institute receive a discount. Advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling 304.242.7272.

Jazz at the Stifel, featuring The Boilermaker Jazz Band takes place at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 11 at the Stifel Center.

The Boilermaker Jazz Band has a wide repertoire that can make an audience swing to a classic jazz standard, get sentimental over an old-time ballad, boogie to a hot jump tune, or get low-down with a gritty blues. From concert halls to dances, festivals to family parties, listeners and dancers agree — this band’s infectious beat and enthusiasm can make any crowd move!

Tickets are $20. Reservations can be made by calling 304.242.7700.

Romance of Glass: A Valentine’s Workshop for Couples takes place February 11 and 12 at the Glass Museum Studio, located in the Carriage House Glass Center in Oglebay Resort.

This special “couples only” workshop offers participants an opportunity to create beautiful pieces of art glass. The program includes an hour and a half, step-by-step session with an experienced glassworker. Couples will create at least two pieces of one-of-a-kind art glass. Participants can choose from hearts, candy kiss charms for a necklace, paperweights and more.

Workshops are available at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m on both Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $140 /$120 per couple for OI members. You must make advanced reservations by calling 304.242.7272.