‘Art of Wine’ gathers supporters of a center for art

story and photos by Joel Rafkin

More than 80 people attended the Art of Wine fund raising event for the Fort Smith Art Center on Friday night at the home of Joyce and J. Lee Didier.

Twenty four wines — red, white and rosé —and one sparkling wine were featured from California, Oregon, Spain, Chile and Argentina vintners. Prices of the wines ranged from about $9 a bottle to $86 a bottle. An order form for purchase by the bottle or case was also provided by In Good Spirits liquor store. Hors d’oeuvres along with cheese, crackers and deserts accompanied the wine tasting selections.

A common misconception is that prices reflects quality. Thus a higher price equals a better wine. In fact, the price has more to do with cost of the real estate on which the grapes are grown, according to the wine experts at the fundraiser. Other economic factors enter into the price but overall, expensive vineyards equal expensive wine regardless of quality.

An old saying, "Buy wine on apples; sell wine on cheese," is wise advice to follow for those interested in attending wine tastings or becoming more knowledgeable about wines. The acid in fruit cleanses and refreshes the palate and reveals the true characteristics of a wine and also any imperfections. Yet the fat content of cheese hides these imperfections.

The event raised at least $8,000 for the art center’s capital campaign goal of $2 million, of which about 25-percent has already been realized. The money is being used to renovate the former Superior Federal Bank building at 1601 Rogers Ave., which will become the new home of the art center. The 15,000-square-foot building was donated by Arvest Bank to the FSAC in July 2009.