Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Salver le vin et les arts

Sun Valley Center Wine Auction uncorks this weekend

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

James Joyce knew what drink was about, after all, he was Irish. He once said, "What is better than to sit at the end of a day and drink wine with friends, or substitute for friends." Well, this weekend is just that time to sit and drink wine with friends or the appropriate substitute. The 23rd Annual Sun Valley Center Wine Auction takes place, beginning Thursday, July 22, with the Patron and Vintner Auction Lot Preview Party and continuing through the auction on Friday, July 23, and the picnic on Saturday, July 24.

Art by Diana Stetson, from Albuquerque

Named by Wine Spectator as one of the "Top Ten U.S. Charity Auctions of 2003," the weekend gathering combines many of Sun Valley’s charms in one package. The auction’s purpose is to raise money for the Center’s educational arts programming and scholarships. The Wine Auction is the most important source of funding for the Center.

A viewing of the auction lots at River Run Lodge is open to the public at the Patron and Vintner Auction Lot Preview Party, 5:30 to 7 p.m. On display is an array of etched bottles, rare bottles, such as Screaming Eagle, one of the most celebrated wines in Napa Valley history, and rare old vintages.

The Dinners with the Vintners are being hosted by valley oenophiles at 13 different locales, catered either by valley-based chefs or special guest chefs from out of town. The gourmet dinners are paired with special wine supplied by the vintners.

The Gala Wine Auction and Dinner Dance is the event of the weekend. It begins 5:30 p.m. Friday under the tent at the River Run Lodge. Dinner begins at 7 p.m.

Incredible items are being auctioned off this year, including a package to Milan’s Fashion Week with front row seats at five couture shows. Another items of note is the Napa Valley Reserve lifetime Membership that includes access to Napa Valley Reserve facilities, members only pricing, 50 cases of Napa Valley Reserve wines and 50 nights at Meadow Napa Valley.

The Wine Tasting occurs at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, also under the tent. The Gala Picnic takes place in the evening at 6 p.m. at the Big Wood Golf Course, catered by Bigwood Bread and Mountain Pride.

Utah native Brenn Hill entertains during the picnic. He was nominated for two 2004 Academy of Western Artists Will Rogers Awards.

Billboard magazine said, "Hill is a bridge between Western music's best traditions and the future of the genre as cowboys and cowboy singers evolve with the changing times. Hill's music echoes the integrity, morality, and character associated with legends like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, while also exploring contemporary themes."

Tickets are still available for the Wine Tasting on Saturday by calling the Center at 726-9491.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.