On Thursday, Oct. 3, hundreds of people will head to Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock for the American Heart Association’s Festival of Wines. The event serves as the largest wine festival in central Arkansas and boasts hundreds of wines from around the world. Central & Moon Distributors has served as wine sponsors since the event began.
Along with the wines, the event will feature samplings of food from local restaurants, including three separate offerings from Arkansas Heart Hospital, the event’s presenting sponsor. Other participating restaurants include Bar Louie, Blue Cake Company, Bonefish Grill, Bray Gourmet, Ciao Baci, Kemuri, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Petit & Keet, Skinny J’s, Smackey’s BBQ, Table 28, The Avenue, Two Sisters Catering and YaYa’s Euro Bistro. Guests may also sample signature cocktails and beer.
They can also bid on premiere and silent auction offerings such as catered dinners from local chefs, an amethyst and diamond necklace and a week-long stay in Durango, Colorado.
“What makes Festival of Wines so great is that it’s a relaxing environment while supporting a great cause,” 2019 Festival of Wines chair Terry Masching said. “All the money raised goes to fund research and education programs.”
Guests enjoy an evening of fun, but the hard work begins months prior. Masching and his wife Karen are not only 2019 Festival of Wines co-chairs, but also lead the executive leadership committee. The couple is passionate about the work of the American Heart Association because they have seen firsthand the devastating effects of heart disease. The event also holds a special place in the couple’s hearts as it was the location of their second date.
“Frankly, this event is a great value with an opportunity to sample hundreds of wines and delicious foods provided by more than a dozen fine local restaurants,” Terry said.
Tickets for the event are $60 in advance, $75 at the door, and can be purchased here.