The Festival of Wines, in its 13th year, is the largest wine festival in central Arkansas offering several hundred wines from all corners of the wine world. One of my favorite features of the event is the unique location of the “patio party” filling the Dickey-Stephens Park concourse with the enjoyment of music surrounding the stadium. Not only is it a wine-tastings mecca but the festival also features cuisine from many of our best restaurants in central Arkansas.
For more information about the festival, visit heart.org/festivalofwines.
Here are a few starter notes for wines I know you will want to explore.
THE VALUES
- 2015 Bell Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $16 retail)
- 2015 Bell Red Blend, California (about $16 retail)
- 2014 Chateau Du Caillau Cahors, France (about $16 retail)
- 2014 Banfi Chianti Superiore, Italy (about $12 retail)
- 2015 Zonin Prosecco, Italy (about $14 retail)
- 2014 Domaine Laroque Cabernet Franc Carcassonne, France (about $10 retail)
- 2015 Matchbook Chardonnay, California (about $12 retail)
- 2014 Force of Nature Red Blend, California (about $17 retail)
- 2015 St. James Cynthiana, Missouri (about $9 retail)
- 2015 St. James Blackberry, Missouri (about $9 retail)
- 2014 Niner Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $19 retail)
- 2014 Predator Zinfandel, California (about $16 retail)
- 2014 Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay, California (about $16 retail)
- 2014 Concha y Toro Marques Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile (about $19 retail)
- 2014 Chamisal Stainless Chardonnay, California (about $16 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2013 Alexander Valley Schoolhouse Reserve Cabernet, California (about $41 retail)
- 2014 Chateau Mongravey Margaux, France (about $47 retail)
- 2015 Rosa Regale, Italy (about $24 retail)
- 2014 Schug Sonoma Pinot Noir, California (about $23 retail)
- 2016 Moet Chandon Grand Vintage, France (about $89 retail)
- NV Moet Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose, France (about $90 retail)
- 2014 Tooth and Nail “The Stand” Petite Sirah Blend, California (about $28 retail)
- 2014 Stasis Pinot Noir, California (about $44 retail)
- 2014 BV Napa Cabernet, California (about $35 retail)