 | Diane Lewis
owns Three French Hens, a unique gift and decor boutique in Augusta, KS. Diane and her girls offer many years of experience in home décor and love to share their tips and techniques with curious shoppers. You can visit Three French Hens nestled in a quaint storybook house, located one block south of Highway 54 on School Street, or phone Diane at (316) 775-5875. |
Interior Decorating
2006-03-30 14:20:00
What to expect at Winefest 2006
ANSWER: This year marks the 11th annual Midwest Winefest, so it’s entering its second decade. This year also marks the fifth Old Town Walkabout, which kicks off the three days of events.In addition, two other, smaller events are planned as part of this celebration of food and wine.Presented by Standard Beverage Corp. and the Wichita Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF), the Winefest seeks to educate participants about wine and its responsible enjoyment. Since it began, Winefest proceeds have been earmarked for the Guadalupe Health Foundation. It is the primary grantor to the Guadalupe Clinic, which provides medical care for needy people in the area who are working, but can’t afford medical insurance. The Foundation has received more than $1.3 million in the past decade.The Walkabout in Old Town kicks off Winefest on Thursday, April 27, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Participants check in at the Farm and Art Market Plaza at First and Mosley where they pick up a souvenir glass and a map.There are 17 venues – restaurants, bars and museums – each serving different food and wines. Tickets are $27.50, and a limited number are sold. Previous Walkabouts have sold out in advance. Musicians will perform throughout Old Town, and two trolleys will transport participants who would rather ride some of the route.On Friday, April 28, AIWF will host five multi-course gourmet dinners in various locations around the city. Each dinner has a different menu and different wines and a celebrity guest from a winery. They are Van Duzer Winery and Stone’s Throw Winery at the Hyatt Wichita; Montevina Winery at the Olive Tree; Michael and David Winery at Yai Yia’s Eurobistro; Summers Winery and Vineyard at Wichita Marriott; and Flora Summers Winery and Vineyards at Wichita Airport Hilton. Prices range from $85 to $105 per person, and seating is limited. For reservations and information, call (316) 682-5502.The main event comes on Saturday, April 29, at Century II Exhibition Hall with the Grand Tasting and Auctions. Those attending will be able to sample from more than 350 wines. A dozen area restaurants will provide all manner of “wine-friendly” food. There will be a silent and called auction, and a number of wine- and food-related booths. At 5 p.m., the live auction begins. Fritz Hatton, a noted wine auctioneer from California, is returning to Wichita to call the auction. Lots include rare wines, gourmet dinners, vacations, artwork and merchandise.Tickets for the Grand Tasting and Auctions are $45.Saturday afternoon will also see two new events: a Riedl glass tasting/seminar at 1 p.m. and a Reserve Tasting of exceptional and limited release wines from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. Tickets for each are limited and must be purchased in addition to Grand Tasting tickets. For tickets and information about these two events call 264-8974.Tickets for the Old Town Walkabout and Grand Tasting and Auctions are available through Wichita TIX -- charge by phone (316) 219-4TIX (4849), in person at Century II Box Office in Expo Hall or online at http://www.wichitatix.com/. Additional Winefest information is available at http://www.midwestwinefest.com/.
