There’s no need to travel to Napa or Sonoma Valley in California for wine and food bliss because it can be found right here in our home state. Eureka Springs has long been a favorite destination for unique dining and shopping year-round. And the Eureka Springs Food and Wine Festival is one event wine lovers won’t want to miss. The colossal event featuring wine, food, art and community exploration runs Nov. 7-11.
The event begins with Arkansas’ newest winemaking success, Margie Roeland’s Raimondo Winery “First Sip” release party Nov. 7. Raimondo Winery is a family-owned winery located on Norfork Lake that specializes in handcrafted Italian and Iberian wines. The winery’s output will also be featured at a dinner hosted by DeVito’s restaurant Nov. 11.
Growing up in Harrison with the original DeVito’s at Bear Creek Springs, I can confirm that this is an Italian dining experience not to be missed. Each course will be paired with a wine, and Raimondo’s extra-virgin olive oilsand infused balsamic vinegars will be used in the chef’s creations.
Many restaurants will be dedicating nightly food and wine pairing specialties throughout the week exclusive to the festival. Linda Hager, owner and chef at the Cottage Inn, will host a California Wine Dinner on Nov. 8-11 with each evening showcasing a different four-course meal paired with California wines.
But the festival isn’t just about wine in restaurants. Patrice Gros, co-founder of the Eureka Springs Farmers Market, will be giving a special tour of his U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic farm. The Foundation Farm grows more than 30 different vegetables and herbs year-round. Keels Creek Winery will be hosting a barrel/tank Tasting and Amateur Wine Competition on Nov. 10, and culinary instructor Karen Gros will conduct cooking classes focused on French cuisine and locally grown ingredients.
For a complete schedule of events, visit eurekaspringsfoodandwine.com or facebook.com/eurekaspringsfoodwinefestival.